TAXILA: The spread of dengue virus can only be curbed with the support of the local community which is why groups have been formed in all six tehsils of Attock, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zulqurnain said.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the district emergency response committee on Wednesday.

EDO (health), additional deputy commissioner, all assistant commissioners, workers and officials of the dengue control cell, TMOs and other relevant departments attended the meeting.

Everyone was informed that the health department in collaboration with district administrations would take measures across the province to avoid a health emergency.

It was further revealed that a complete action plan had been chalked out by the district government to ensure coordinated and effective measures for prevention of dengue.

Participants of the meeting discussed preventive measures to control spread of dengue fever during the ongoing summer season.

The deputy commissioner said the district administration had devised a plan to control spread of dengue fever and destroy breeding sites of mosquitoes in Attock.

He underlined the need for taking solid measures against the virus by eliminating the growth of dengue larva. Officials have been directed to identify and destroy breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes, remove tyres, plastic bags and bottles from open spaces and cover open drinking water containers.

“A proper campaign must be initiated to create awareness among people for which different teams must be formed. The teams must visit block factories, tyres shops, service stations, houses and launch a campaign to clear stagnant water ponds,” he said and directed relevant officials to depute indoor and outdoor surveillance teams so that they can begin fogging potential areas across the district.

He said the teams must create awareness among people about preventive measures through door-to-door visits.

There is a dire need is to increase the process of eradicating larvae as much as possible.

“Strict action should be taken against those who are negligent in this regard,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2022