The prices of several brands of mosquito repellent have increased by almost 50 percent because of the high demand, which has been created by the fear of becoming a dengue virus victim. The Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) hits the country in October, and has since affected hundreds of people in different areas except Multan, which is free of this disease.
However a patient Zafar Hussain of Muzaffargarh was admitted to Nishtar Hospital, Multan. The epidemic has forced citizens to ensure defensive measures to avoid mosquito bites. Mostly people use anti-mosquito coils or anti-mosquito sprays to defend themselves from the dengue virus. The City District Government Multan (CDGM) has not taken safety measures to eradicate the disease from the society, such as fumigating the city and organising awareness campaigns.
However CDGM has advised people to use repellents to protect themselves from catching the disease as part of its advertisement campaign against dengue fever. A resident of walled city H.A Nawaz said that a packet of coil was available for Rs 25 last month, adding that now it was for Rs 30. The same pack is selling for Rs 35 in some localities. A bottle of anti-mosquito oil, which used to be available at Rs 60-80, is now sold for Rs 80-110. The sprays that were sold at Rs 90-120 are now being sold at Rs 120-160.
The shopkeepers said that they had not increased the prices, adding that the companies had increased the price due to the high demand. "The companies have given us fresh supplies with higher rates," said Nasrullah khan, a departmental storeowner, adding that there were around six companies that supply various types of repellents.
A housewife, Nagina Javed, said that two of her children had been affected by the virus, adding that she had started using repellents since. She said that the prices of these products had increased, adding, "Who cares about the price hike when your life is in danger."
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