LAHORE, Oct 29: Another five people died of dengue virus in the city on Saturday. The total number of deaths due to the viral disease touched 311.

Reports said Fouzia, 24, and Parveen Bibi, 55, died at private health facilities on Ferozepur Road and Jail Road, respectively, while Waqas Ali, 18, and Majidan Bibi succumbed to dengue virus at Services Hospital.

Allah Rakhi of Lalpul died at a private hospital on Jail Road. The health department, however, confirmed four deaths of dengue fever patients.

Meanwhile, Punjab Health Director Information Management System Dr Anwar Janjua told media that 167 confirmed dengue patients were reported during the last 24 hours in the province, out of which 88 were reported in Lahore.

The total number of dengue patients across Punjab is 19,781. Of these 16,672 belong to Lahore.

He said a training workshop of homeopathic doctors and physicians was held under the aegis of the Health Department at Town Hall on Saturday for the correct diagnosis of dengue patients, provision of timely medical facilities to them and for the awareness of people associated with different methods of treatment.

The workshop was attended by 686 homeopaths and 237 physicians in which they were briefed on the nature and signs of dengue disease, he said.

Dr Janjua further said 416 family physicians and nurses of Allama Iqbal Medical College had also completed their training regarding treatment of dengue patients. Similarly, training was provided to all deputy district officers of health and lady health supervisors regarding vector surveillance at the Institute of Public Health.

He said a team of World Health Organization had reached Lahore for the assistance of the department and enhancing clinical skills of Pakistani doctors. It would exchange information regarding diagnosis and treatment of dengue.