Mosquito-borne infection: Health department braces for dengue after rain

The department has declared Rawalpindi a high-risk area

LAHORE:

The number of dengue cases reported in the province increased up to 196 on Wednesday after temperatures fell in some cities following a downpour.

The Health Department declared Rawalpindi a high-risk area for dengue fever after 17 cases were reported there in 24 hours. However, no cases were reported in Lahore in the same period.

Separately, Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khwaja Salman Rafique visited Ferozewala, Rana Town and Muridke to inspect dengue surveillance activities during Eidul Azha. He directed the health services director general to start proceedings against Sheikhupura District Health Officer (DHO) Nadeem Sohail for unsatisfactory performance.

Rafique also instructed him to issue a warning to Muridke Deputy District Health Officer (DDHO) Munir Ghari.



He visited urban union councils the day after Eid in Muridke to review dengue surveillance activities. Rafique said Ferozewala and Muridke were sensitive areas for dengue. He urged people to drain stagnant water and cover water tanks to prevent dengue mosquitoes from breeding.

Rafique also visited Gulshan-i-Ravi with Lahore District Coordination Officer (DCO) Muhammad Usman. They distributed sweets among dengue surveillance workers on the occasion.  He praised their efforts and interacted with the people to create public awareness regarding dengue prevention.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2014.