There is no let up in the spread of epidemic of dengue fever here, as it is not only taking lives of victims but has also scared the Lahoriites who are opting for precautionary measures to avoid the disease. On Friday, Beenish, a young married woman of Samanabad died due to dengue at a local private hospital.
Her husband Naveed told Business Recorder that his wife was suffering from dengue and was admitted in a private hospital in Allama Iqbal Town where she died. The death of Beenish (20) has scared her family members and relatives besides neighbours who are opting for precautionary measures to avoid the disease. As per reports, about four people had so far lost their lives due to the spread of the virus. People are using different medicines and anti-mosquito sprays besides keeping their environment neat and clean to avoid the disease.
Meanwhile, a spokesman of health department said that all treatment facilities are available to dengue fever patients free of cost in government hospitals and platelets are also being provided to the patients, as per requirement. Further, due to the virus, "Morning Assembly" in all the government and private educational institutions of Punjab has been banned for two months.
The reason behind this decision is the mosquito, which causes dengue fever bites in the morning and evening. Therefore, the step is being taken to prevent children from this virus. Further, health department Punjab has asked the Administrator Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Secretary Cantonment Board and Chairman Model Town Society Lahore to make necessary arrangement for elimination of breeding sites in form of water collection within their limits. It was also asked that the water falls, fountains and swimming pools may also be kept dry for two months and it would be appropriate at the same time to make necessary arrangements for indoor residual spray inside the houses and lawns for elimination of mosquitoes.
According to a report, over 2,135 dengue fever patients were reported so far during the current year, of which, 1,875 patients have recovered. At present, about 250 patients are under treatment and free treatment facilities are being provided to them.
71 dengue fever patients are under treatment in Mayo Hospital, three in Services Hospital, 25 in Ganga Ram Hospital, seven in Lahore General Hospital, 25 in Ittefaq Hospital, 67 in Jinnah Hospital, 24 in Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, 13 in Doctors Hospital, eight in Allied Hospital Faisalabad, three in Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi and one each in National Hospital Lahore, Nishter Hospital Multan and District Headquarter Hospital Vehari.