Health Expert Stresses To Adopt Preventive Measures To Contain Dengue Virus Spread

Health expert, Dr. Iftikhar-ud-Din has stressed on adaptation of preventive measures for containing dengue virus instead of focusing only on use of chemicals

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Aug, 2017 ) : Health expert, Dr. Iftikhar-ud-Din has stressed on adaptation of preventive measures for containing dengue virus instead of focusing only on use of chemicals.

The main approach through which we can contain dengue mosquito is to block its breeding source which is mainly stagnant clean water,� observed Dr. Iftikhar ud Din while delivering a sensitization session held here at Health Directorate on Monday.

Provincial Minister for Health, Sharam Khan Tarakai and Provincial Secretary Health, Abid Majeed were also present on the occasion. Dr. Iftikhar said unless and until the breeding sources of dengue mosquito are not blocked, we cannot control spread of the virus.

He said chemical procedures like fogging, use of insecticides, pest killers and use of mosquito repellent can prevent the insect for few hours and the main thing is to destroy its breeding source.

Dr. Iftikhar said according to research work and experience gained through fighting dengue in Swat district during 2013, it was found that there are 18 potential breeding sources of dengue which need to be checked and blocked.

These 18 sources, he continued, included old tyres lying in open, uncovered tanks, drums, discarded buckets, pet dishes, construction blocks, bottles, discarded tin canes, tree holes, open bottles lying on top of houses etc.

During our experience in Swat district, it was found that people were being affected by dengue mosquito despite using chemicals by concerned departments and people as well. However, thorough investigations by entomologists discovered deposit of larvas at such a sites which doest not come into notice like water tank in air cooler, open water tanks, fridge trays and stagnant water in disposed plastic utensils.

These sources serve as potential breeding sites for dengue mosquito which cannot be contained through use of chemicals, Dr. Iftikhar reiterated. He said use of chemical has also side effects and is also costly not only for government but also for people.

He also shared research finding of Swat Dengue outbreak according to which 62 percent of larva came from water tanks and drums, 13 percent from pets drinking pots, 8 percent from flower pots, 4 percent from main hole covers, 3 percent from old tyres, 3 percent from fridge trays, 2 percent from standing water in houses, 2 percent from solid waste and one percent from construction site waste.

Dr. Iftikhar disclosed that 90 percent of dengue cases are asymptotic as they don't develop any symptoms. Only 10 percent of affected people develop sign symptoms and only one percent develop complications and need admission in hospital for treatment.

The rest of 9 percent needs paraceutamal and good oral fluid intake as a curative measures, he advised. He requested people to take preventive measuring in fighting dengue because without the cooperation and support of people, the endemic cannot be controlled.

He also advised people to wear shocks, shoes, long pants, long sleeved shirts and use mosquito repellents and coil. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health KP, Abid Majeed said government is investigating each and every case of dengue patients to trace out its cause.