Dengue fever is on the rise again in Pakistan. A virus of the same name causes dengue and it spreads through mosquitoes. It is a serious disease with intense symptoms and can even cause death in its extreme form. Symptoms can begin from 3 to 10 days after the infection and include, a high-grade fever, vomiting, nausea, joint pains, muscle pains and a skin rash.
Background
The epidemic of dengue first broke out in Pakistan in the year of 2010. Since then, there have been 16,580 confirmed cases in the city of Lahore alone. In addition to this, there have been 5000 more cases in the rest of the country. Out of these cases, 317 people have died so far while the epidemic continues to grow each year.
Current Situation
Each year during the season of dengue, many cases emerge and the government puts out a warning. Unfortunately, this year dengue has hit again. According to a notification released by IAMAT on 16th April 2019, Pakistan has confirmed the emergence of dengue with a high concentration of cases in the southern and western provinces of the country.
Balochistan
According to the sources, 258 cases of dengue have emerged from Balochistan in the city of Turbat recently. All these cases were reported in the first two weeks of April. Additionally, 150 cases have emerged in Kech, another district of Balochistan, since January 2019.
Sindh
The situation is getting worse in Sindh as well. In March alone, 43 cases have surfaced in the province. 37 of these cases came from Karachi while 6 came from other districts. A total of 258 cases have emerged so far in the year of 2019 from the area.
Islamabad
The capital has also been affected heavily. According to a report by the International Society for Infected Diseases, 450 cases have emerged so far from Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the recent dengue season. The same report also highlights that most of these cases have originated in the rural areas of the twin cities.
What Can you do to Help Curb Dengue?
The situation is critical and we as a population are at risk. The upcoming rain season and the humid weather will likely make it worse. Health protocols have already been activated in areas where the risk is high. As an individual, you should also take some precautionary measures to avoid dengue.
The key step is to avoid mosquito bites because mosquitoes are the carriers of dengue virus. In dengue season,
- Avoid wearing short sleeves. Wear long sleeves and long pants.
- You can also use mosquito nets to get rid of the bites during sleep.
- You should also limit outdoor activity during peak times.
- Avoid strolling in mosquito regions such as standing water, especially during dusk and dawn
- Ensure that your windows and doors are screened to prevent mosquitos from coming in closed spaces.
- Always use a mosquito repellant in the form of lotion on your skin and as sprays in your house.
In case, you become feverish along with severe headache during the season, see a doctor as soon as possible.
————
This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find the best medical specialists in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and book an appointment online.
