With a view to combat dengue in a befitting manner, "Anti-Dengue Day" will be observed across the Punjab on Sunday (tomorrow). On this day, sweeping will be carried out in government departments to remove the dengue breeding sites and hotspots. Seminar and walks will also be organised for creating awareness among the masses about dengue.
A spokesman of Health department said that the day will also be observed in the offices of Health department, public hospitals and health centres. The spokesman further said that community participation would also be ensured in the activities of day. Dr Yasir Hussain, Consultant Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre said here on Friday that proliferation of dengue virus has become dangerously alarming due to recent rains and flood.
He said to confront the situation the government will have to take solid measures immediately. "Accumulation of rain water in the ongoing monsoon season in residential areas, negligence in the cleanliness by the administration and public are main factors of growth of dengue mosquitoes. Especially, the number of mosquitoes becomes manifold in the month of August, September and October in our region," he added.
He said like malaria, dengue virus is transmitted through mosquitoes. The symptoms of dengue virus appear after five to seven days of mosquito bite. High fever, joints pain, headache are the common symptoms, while in acute cases the blood vessels become weak and the blood starts bleeding from different parts of the body, he mentioned.
Dr Yasir further said that the infants, old people and the persons under different kind of medication are more at risk from dengue due to their weaker immune systems. If any of the symptoms occur, several tests should be taken in order to diagnose the disease. Talking about various methods of preventing the spread of vectors like mosquitoes, he said that houses, neighbourhoods, villages and cities should be kept clean and especially drainage of rain and polluted water should not be allowed to puddle because mosquitoes create their habitats in warm and humid places.
Dr Yasir proposed the government to build proper sanitation system and spray anti-mosquito chemicals at required intervals. He also advised the public that community based sanitation reinforcement should be encouraged in neighbourhoods. Moreover, Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister on Health, Kh Salman Rafique has directed town officers of all the concerned departments to pay special attention on dengue surveillance in those areas from where dengue patients are being reported.
While addressing a meeting of officers of all towns of Lahore along with Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Amir Suhail Mirza, he stressed upon all officers to continue dengue control activities with focused approach. He said that month of September is important due to rains therefore we will have to work with devotions and dedication for eradication of dengue.
Commissioner Lahore Rashid Mehmood Langrial, DCO Lahore Captain Muhammad Usman (Retd), Additional Secretary Health (Technical) Dr Salman Shahid, Additional Director General Health Vector Borne Diseases Dr Islam Zafar, MD Wasa, officers of Environment, PHA, Punjab Information Technology Board departments, administrators of all towns, deputy district health officers and other concerned officers attended the meeting.