Health
PAKISTANI authorities on Monday, kicked off a countrywide drive to contain a dengue epidemic as the number of cases of the mosquito-borne virus surpassed 10,000.
Sajid Shah, a spokesman for the country’s health ministry said so far over 16 people had died because of dengue, adding that hospitals across all major cities were overwhelmed with dengue patients.
“At least 10,013 cases of dengue have been reported from across the country in 2019 and the number of dengue patients is likely to increase in the next 10 days,” he said.
Shah said preventive measures and arrangements for free treatment were part of the drive to contain the spread.
Dr Zafar Mirza, Pakistan’s state minister for health, said a special study/research would be conducted to look into the reasons behind the spread of the diseases in different regions.
Dengue epidemics have become a regular occurrence in Pakistan in recent years, usually peaking in July to October during the monsoon rains.
More than 300 people died from dengue in 2011.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease, which, in mild cases, causes fever, aching bones and a rash, and usually clears up within 10 days.
In severe cases, however, it can lead to internal bleeding, including in the brain, and can be fatal. (dpa/NAN)
– Sept. 23, 2019 @ 10:55 GMT |
Tags: Pakistan launches countrywide drive to contain dengue epidemic
