Immediate preventive measures should be adopted against Dengue fever

November 2, 2006

Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has demanded concrete steps by government to control Dengue Fever which is becoming a growing public health problem in Pakistan. CRCP arranged an in house discussion on “Measures for Effective Prevention and Control of Dengue Fever” at CRCP House. The cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever in the country have been constantly increasing with each passing day.

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Social Security Hospital Islamabad, Public Health Consultant and Executive Member Pakistan Health Policy Forum said that dengue fever is not a new disease; it has travelled from India to Pakistan. He stressed on mass awareness and communication which is highly important for prevention of disease. Children below fifteen years of age are more prone to dengue fever but in most of cases it is not a serious condition. He said that good medical management can effectively prevent the complications of disease. Complications of dengue fever are more dangerous which can cause bleeding and blood clotting. He said that no vaccine has been discovered yet for this fever, the only treatment of the dengue fever is to keep environment clean.

The virus of this fever is transmitted by mosquitoes called Aedies Egyptie which breed in water present in room coolers, air conditioners, and open drains and particularly fresh water places. He insisted that people should not get fear of dengue but they should be careful and try to protect themselves from unclean and muddy places and use mosquito repellents. He said that in Pakistan we don’t have any surveillance system against this disease like we have for polio. So it is dire need to adopt surveillance precautions in which every hospital and doctor report to federal health ministry cases of dengue fever.

Dr. Alam Shah, Professor of Medicine, Islamabad Medical and Dental College said that the people who had suffered from this infection should take extra precautions as second infection can lead to serious complications. Anti mosquito sprays will be supportive to eliminate the dengue fever. He suggested that aerial sprays should be done through out the country. Dengue fever has two types of complications; one is dengue Haemorrhagic fever and other is shock. In uncomplicated fever he suggested that patient should not use antibiotics as there is no role of antibiotics.

Dr. Z. Noman, Manager Environment and Health Programme, CRCP said awareness programmes should be organized for people. He also stressed on improving hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness for protection from dengue fever.

All the participants emphasized that municipal administration and local government of every city has immense responsibility to carry out preventive measures to reduce the fear of dengue virus. In this regard, they must keep the environment clean and healthy, particularly focusing on sprays for mosquito killing and proper sanitation.

In the end all participants agreed that government with the collaboration of civil society organizations (CSOs) should start awareness campaigns for prevention and control of dengue fever. Government should make it possible to provide prompt medical assistance and necessary equipment in every government hospital. Media can also play its due role in creating awareness among masses and educate them on precautionary measures.