April 06, 2007	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 17, 1428

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PESHAWAR, April 5: The federal government has asked the provincial health department to take preventive measures against the spread of dengue virus. The guidelines were issued in a letter dated March 20, and quoted the director-general health services in Islamabad as warning that another dengue outbreak may occur due to hot and humid weather conditions in the coming months coupled with poor awareness about the disease among the general public.

“Although the outbreaks subsided yet the situation needs to be vigilantly monitored even in the presence of zero incidences since the environmental factors and life styles prevailing in the country provide an extremely conducive setting for disease transmission and vector propagation,” the letter said.

The document contained a list of preventive measures and guidelines, and called for the setting up of a Disease Early Warning System through which the spread of the virus could be monitored in the country.

There is no specific treatment for the dengue virus since it is a self-limiting disease. People suffering from it need symptomatic and supportive treatment such as the medicine acetaminophen, complete bed rest and high intake of fluids. The disease can only be controlled if it is diagnosed early and the patient is given appropriate treatment.

The serum specimen of an infected individual should be collected as soon as possible, preferably within five days, after the symptoms are found. A convalescent phase sample should be obtained from the patient at least six days after detection of the symptoms for serological diagnosis. Acute phase samples for virus diagnosis may be stored un-frozen in a refrigerator at four degree Celsius, the guidelines said.

According to the letter, the best prevention from the disease is to eradicate the breeding grounds of mosquitoes and the areas where they lay their eggs. Other methods suggested were use of screens, and bed nets for personal protection in houses. Doctors across the province have been advised to contact the director of the public health department in case of a dengue spread.

It also called for a health education media campaign to educate the masses about the preventive measures and nature of the disease.

The health department was also asked to stockpile essential medical supplies, the development of resources including specialized centres and military services to fight any unpredictable spread of the disease. It called for the training of health personnel in vector control, surveillance, clinical management and infection control methods.

In case of non-availability of test facilities at local or provincial levels, the detailed information of all the patients along with their samples should be sent to the National Institute of Health in Islamabad and addressed to the Epidemic Investigation Cell.

The letter also called for spraying insecticides on truck and container stands in consultation with the local health authorities. Instructions should be passed to railways authorities to fumigate their coaches, and the aircraft that fly to and fro from highly endemic areas, the guidelines added.