Dengue outbreak: 93 new cases reported in Balochistan's Kech

KECH: At least 93 new cases of fatal dengue fever reported within a week in Kech district of Balochistan, ARY News reported on Sunday.

Dengue fever hit 93 people during the last seven days, exceeding the previous figure to 243 in three weeks, District Health Officer (DHO) confirmed ARY News.

According to district administration, 12 cases were being reported daily in Turbat while three deaths were confirmed.

The health officer said that the administration was still awaiting special funds demanded by the provincial government to control further spread of the disease.

He detailed that anti-dengue spray is being conducted in highly-affected areas and inside houses besides initiation of an awareness campaign citizens to prevent themselves from the fatal disease.

Read More: Dengue larvae found in Rawalpindi

On March 24, Dengue outbreak had widened in Kech district of Balochistan as more than 150 cases have been reported in the area from January.

According to the District Health Officer (DHO) Turbat, at least 150 cases of the dengue fever have been reported so far from January, while three of the patients had lost their lives.

“The dengue cases are being reported on the daily basis in the area”, the DHO said.

The DHO further added that efforts were underway to control over the increasing dengue virus in the Kech district.

The dengue cases up to six had also reported from Punjab’s Lahore this month which led the local administration to initiate measures for immediate control of the spreading disease.

Deputy District Officer (DDO) Dr Zeeshan Zafar had told media that strict monitoring was being carried out at adjacent houses to eliminate the larvae breeding.

Read More: Three die, 150 affected due to dengue outbreak in Balochistan’s Kech

He added that dengue larvae was also found at four houses in Pirwadahi area, Rawalpindi.

The DDO said that standard operating procedures about anti-dengue were being implemented in letter and spirit and surveillance had been extended in Rawal Town area to control the threat of dengue.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It starts out as intermittent fevers that graduate to thrombocytosis when untreated, sometimes leading to death.

It affects millions of children and adults worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that even today, there is no definitive medical cure for the disease, but early detection is key to effective treatment.