CHAKWAL: As many as 22 patients in Chakwal district have tested positive for dengue virus so far this season and their number could increase in the coming days.

Among the victims are District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Saadat Ali Khan and two doctors of Chakwal District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, officials told Dawn on Tuesday.

So far one death from dengue has been reported in the district. In the last four days, 26 dengue suspects have been admitted to DHQ Hospital.

“CEO Health Dr. Saadat was admitted to the hospital due to chest infection but later he also tested positive for dengue virus. However, he has been recovered,” a senior official of District Health Authority told Dawn.

Talking to Dawn Acting CEO of District Health Authority Dr Hassan maintained that situation in Chakwal was under control.

“Scores of people of Chakwal travel to Rawalpindi on daily basis while drivers and conductors of public service vehicles plying their vehicles from Chakwal to Rawalpindi are likely the major carriers of dengue virus,” he added.

Health officials also warn of excessive usage of fumigation and repellents.

“Though fumigation and spraying of repellents is under way, we should remember that fumigation and spraying is not the solution rather this drive can cause severe environmental and health hazards due to its side effects,” an official of Punjab Health Department told Dawn.

“Dengue virus cannot be controlled unless general public adopt preventive measures such as keeping environment clean and keeping mosquitoes at bay by using precautionary measures”, the official added.

“We have to live with this disease in coming years as it cannot be eradicated at once,” said Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Chakwal Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Awan.

“Dengue fever has less than 1pc mortality rate,” he added.

He said most patients even do not know that they had just recovered from dengue due to their strong immunity.

“Only unattended patients having weak immunity and also suffering from other complications are likely to die of dengue,” Dr Mukhtar said.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2019