After floods, Dengue wreaks havoc with effected areas in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (eTN) – An outbreak of Dengue fever, as a result of the 2011 floods in Pakistan caused by heavy rain falls, are providing a breeding ground for mosquitoesm which has resulted in an

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (eTN) – An outbreak of Dengue fever, as a result of the 2011 floods in Pakistan caused by heavy rain falls, are providing a breeding ground for mosquitoesm which has resulted in an outbreak of the Dengue virus across the country. The disease makes regular appearances at this time of year after the monsoon rains have provided plenty of breeding sites for mosquitoes, but this year’s outbreak is particularly virulent, especially in Lahore, where most of the cases have been reported.

Pakistan is already coping with flooding, and experts say poor hygiene is responsible for the spread of the disease, but heavy monsoon rains are also providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue fever, which has resulted in the death of over a dozen. Officially, more than 3,500 people have been infected, and the number is still growing. Deaths of 225 people have been reported from the province of Punjab, while figures are yet to be received from Sindh – the most flood-affected area.

Health experts fear that if the spread of Dengue mosquito larva is not controlled this year, the disease could wreak havoc in the coming years. In a discussion at the Health Service Academy (HAS), health officials from the capital held the city managements and government agencies responsible for the recent outbreak of the disease in the country.

Experts told the participants that if the spread of Dengue by mosquitos is not controlled, then the death toll could rise from 2% to 20% in the following seasons.

The female Dengue mosquito survives on human blood and lives in areas where there is clean water or moisture. The breeding season of Dengue mosquitoes will continue untll December, therefore, there is a dire need to take precautionary measures to avoid the bite.

The entomologists also expressed concern over the shortage of experts on Dengue fever across the country. He said currently four types of Dengue viruses are found in the country, and their presence could be very dangerous.

The patient having Dengue fever for the first time is not at risk, however, lack of proper treatment the second time can lead to death.

Unfortunately there are many doctors who create complications by treating patients in a manner which is not required. This can also result into serious troubles, experts say.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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