Threat of epidemic: Dengue emergency declared in Karachi

Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui directs officials to spread awareness about virus among public

KARACHI:

An emergency was declared in the city after the total number of dengue positive cases reached 2,500 in the provincial capital. The health department officials, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and district commissioners (DCs) of all six districts have been directed to take necessary measures immediately.

Presiding over a meeting to discuss the increasing cases of dengue fever, commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui directed officials on Tuesday to spread awareness about the virus among the public as the lives of citizens are at stake.

The commissioner has also constituted separate district committees, directing them to monitor the situation and report to him. "Awareness among public is very important," he said. "Walks should immediately be arranged."

On the directives of the commissioner, two separate letters have been issued, including one to the Sindh health secretary to provide dengue kits and the other on imposing emergency in the relevant departments.

The meeting was briefed that SITE is one of the most sensitive areas where factory owners store water, which provides an ideal place for mosquitoes. The commissioner directed the managing director of SITE to take immediate measures.

So far this year, the number of dengue patients has reached 2,500 while six persons have died due to the virus.

Spray campaign

The KMC started its spray campaign from Malir and Bin Qasim after a gap of almost two weeks. Areas of Gadap Town will be covered today (Wednesday), said an official.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2015.