Dengue fever is endemic in Pakistan and especially has high prevalence rate during the post monsoon/monsoon season.
Fall in the mercury due to the recent monsoon downpour provides an excellent breeding ground for this mosquito borne infection to spread across the country. More than 600 cases have been reported in Dengue Management Cell setup by CM of Punjab. However, the exact number is far beyond this. Health department is also least concerned in resolving this health crisis.
Unlike last year, no fumigation campaigns were launched this year to control the breeding of the infectious strain of the mosquito which is the major vector in spreading dengue. Monsoon season is nearing its end but the health department seems to pay no heed to this major preventive step.
Prevention is better than treatment. Although the dengue treatment cells are established in every government hospital, health department should better act more on preventing than treating this disease before many are laid to rest. This little step towards prevention can curtail burden on the already overburdened emergency department of government hospitals and doctors.
DANISH HASSAN
Lahore
