SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Considering the fact that standing water after monsoon downpours provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, including those that transmit the dengue virus, this is the right time to review measures to combat the infection however due to unpredictable weather, particularly regular rains that might continue till May, government departments will have to carry out anti-dengue exercises in April and May as opposed to August, September and November, as done previously. Reportedly, the situation in Lahore is satisfactory due to the successful eradication of over 2,000 dengue sites in the city. However, the lack of effort on the part of the administration in the adjoining districts of Sheikhupura and Kasur might undo the work done in Lahore and cause problems for people living in all three areas and beyond.
Dengue fever is a global threat; the World Health Organisation says that 2.5 billion people may be at risk from the virus. In Pakistan, dengue epidemics have been occurring regularly since 2006, while as per a report in this newspaper, a study based on data provided by the Punjab health department says that a new strain of the virus has been detected in the province, and there is danger of an outbreak next year. Lahore is, apparently, most at risk. In fact, health and administrative authorities across Pakistan must raise their guard and take precautionary steps before the high-risk dengue season going to star earlier this year. The danger of transmission of dengue larvae from one area to another remains present, and will not subside until a thorough campaign, which ought to entail detection, elimination and treatment, is undertaken by the administration in all concerned areas. Local authorities must also drain pools of stagnant water and spray areas where mosquitoes breed. Many local administrations have been lax in this regard. No negligence can be allowed. Public-awareness campaigns informing the people about precautionary steps as well as identifying dengue symptoms should be initiated.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
