Health Experts urge for measures to curb dengue breeding

LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister's Adviser on Health - Kh. Salman Rafiq recently stated that; According to experts, increase in breeding of dengue mosquito will occur from August to November, which will be the peak season of dengue disease, while only a few cases of dengue will be reported during March and April.

The Adviser, while presiding over a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Dengue, stated that; Immediate steps should be taken for checking dengue mosquito breeding and special attention be paid to dengue surveillance.

According to media reports; Parliamentary Secretary Health- Kh. Imran Nazir, DG Health Punjab -Dr Zahid Pervaiz, Dean Institute of Public Health -Prof Moaz Ahmed, Specialist Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG) -Dr Somia Iqtidar, Chief Bacteriologist Punjab- Dr Zarfishan Tahir, Epidemic diseases expert -Prof Farkhanda Kokab, In-charge- Chief Minister Dengue Research Cell- Prof Wasim Akram, Director Dengue Control Programme -Dr Islam Zafar and officers of PITB were present on the occasion.

Dr Islam Zafar said; The Health Department has provided chemicals to be used for spray, fogging and larviciding up to December 2015, to all the districts. However, more medicines could be purchased according to the needs.

Kh. Salman directed that at least 10 percent additional stock be provided to the districts, so that no shortage should occur during peak season. Prof Moaz said; very few cases will be reported during current season of dengue i.e. March to May. However there is possibility of increase in dengue disease from August to end of November, if the environment for dengue breeding remains favorable. Kh Salman directed to hold meetings of Technical Advisory Committee on Dengue after every 10 days.

He informed that; Dengue disease occurs more heavily in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura, therefore the government has decided to set up a regular force for checking such epidemic diseases. Prof Wasim Akram said; Special attention should be paid to dengue surveillance and larviciding.