Prepare for dengue, say KP health specialists

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Fearing an increase in the intensity of dengue fever in the next year with its orbit widening, health specialist Professor Dr Mukhtiar Zaman urged due preparedness take place through awareness campaigns, surveillance and case management at hospitals. During a seminar on ‘Dengue Fever: facts and prevention’ organized by the US Consulate Peshawar Public Affairs Section on Thursday at Peshawar Press Club, ophthalmologist Dr Mukhtiar said dengue fever was firstly spotted in Pakistan in 1995 and began increasing its orbit in 2006 with a correspondent increase in mortality rate.
He said from June-September 1995 145 patients suffered from dengue fever in Karachi and one died while in October 1995 57 cases of dengue were confirmed in South Balochistan. “Today, with the spread of the fever it has become difficult to obtain reliable data,” he said. While in 2010 from 11024 confirmed cases there were 40 deaths, the year 2011 recorded 16,000 confirmed cases with the death toll increasing to 253, he said. “While the need is to interfere in the chain of the spread of dengue fever by protecting patients, we unfortunately address it on emergency lines,” he said. Dr Zaman said dengue patient had to be protected from more mosquitos. He said recovery from dengue fever was low and that most recover. “Mortality is 1-5 percent for untreated patients and 1 percent in treated patients..