PMA urges people to take preventive measures to avoid dengue

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) recently expressed grave concern over the rising cases of dengue in Pakistan. The PMA stated that the cases of confirmed dengue virus had been reported in thousands from all the provinces.

Secretary-General, Pakistan Medical Association (Centre), Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad, in his statement, said, “The situation is very alarming, and we had already warned the authorities to take preventive measures to take control over dengue. Now, the cases of dengue are increasing geometrically in Karachi. According to the government, 4151 cases have been reported from Karachi, but the number of unreported cases is more than 10,000. Recently, 30 to 35 cases were reported from Karachi’s North Nazimabad Block-F area in just a couple of days, which is distressing.”

He explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. The weather conditions in the region remain suitable for the spread of the infection and for the growth of 'Aedes aegypti,' the mosquito that causes dengue fever.

He further explained that the symptoms of dengue fever begin three to fourteen days after the infection has matured and may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. It can also be associated with a characteristic skin rash. At its worst, dengue symptoms could entail bleeding from the gums, nose, mouth, ears, and other parts of the body. In the last stages of the ailment, the patient goes into a state of shock, which is called the Dengue Hemorrhagic Shock.

Dr Qaisar Sajjad urged the government to start an anti-mosquito spraying campaign on an emergency basis throughout the country. The only prevention for dengue is to eliminate mosquitoes from the country because there is no vaccine or specific treatment to combat this disease. Elimination of mosquitos will also end the other mosquito-borne diseases like Malaria, Chikungunya, etc.

"All Government authorities, including the Federal Government, Provincial Government, Local Government, and other civic agencies should follow the following:

All government departments should work jointly against the dengue fever for a positive result.

Anti-mosquito spraying should be carried out at regular intervals, particularly on stagnant water.

Proper standard mosquito-killing products with proper concentration should be used for spraying.

The spray should also be done inside and outside the premises of both government and private hospitals, schools, offices, as well as plant nurseries, gardens, and tire repair shops,” he added.

He suggested establishing good quality laboratories for the diagnoses of all types of viruses for people at big public sector hospitals and arranging for the establishment of collection centres for blood samples collection at their different link hospitals and dispensaries. Additionally, both government and private hospitals’ administration should organize lectures in their respective hospitals to update the masses about the threat of dengue fever.