PESHAWAR: The health department has launched fumigation campaign in dengue-endemic union councils of five districts, including Peshawar, following detection of cases from there.

Fumigation began on Wednesday on the directives of adviser to chief minister on health Ihtisham Ali in Peshawar, Abbottabad, Bannu, Swabi, and Nowshera districts, according to a press release.

Fumigation will be carried out at dawn and dusk in dengue hotspot union councils.

In response to a media report about the spread of dengue in the Bara Sheikhan area of Peshawar, the health adviser directed anti-dengue teams to reach the affected area to conduct fumigation and distribute mosquito nets among people.

Anti-dengue operations are actively underway in Tehkal, interior city, Nasir Bagh Road, Hayatabad, and other localities in Peshawar, the statement said.

It said indoor residual spraying was also being carried out inside the homes of dengue-affected patients to eliminate mosquitoes. Efforts to eradicate dengue larvae within households have also been accelerated in addition to public awareness campaigns at the street and union council levels. The CM’s health adviser instructed all the line departments to effectively implement the new dengue action plan and fulfill their responsibilities diligently. “No negligence regarding dengue control will be tolerated,” he added.

Mr Ali also urged the public to report any dengue-related complaint on the health department’s social media page or his official page.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2024