MINGORA, Aug 24: The number of dengue cases reported this month in Swat district reached 130 on Saturday after 45 more local residents tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease.

According to Mr Ijaz Khan of the hospital, two of the new cases belong to Shangla district.

He said the hospital had run short of beds due to arrival of dengue patients and suspects in large numbers.

The official said the hospital administration had already canceled weekly holidays of the staff and specified emergency medical-A and eye wards for dengue patients to meet the emergency.

He said the hospital had already discharged 50 dengue patients on completion of treatment.

“Currently, 80 dengue patients, including 53 men, are admitted to our hospital,” he said.

A few days ago, the hospital administration had declared medical-B ward the emergency unit for dengue patients.

However, the ward has 62 beds and thus, failing to attend to all visitors with dengue symptoms.

The bed shortage led to provision of medical care to dengue patients and suspects outside the medical-B ward and in the open.

Mohammad Ameen, 30, a resident of Rahimabad, said he didn’t find a bed at medical-B ward and therefore, had to place a charpoy outside.

He said he was satisfied with the treatment but wanted the government to ensure provision of beds, safety nets and other resources in adequate numbers to treat dengue patients.

Ziaullah, 21, a resident of Shahdarah Mingora city and Mohammad Rahim, 53, a resident of Islampur, demanded that the government take the dengue issue seriously and provide hospitals in the district, especially Mingora, with adequate resources.

They also demanded the launch of a massive campaign in the district for dengue prevention.

When contacted, Medical Superintendent of Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital Dr Khurshid Ahmad said the hospital was providing the best possible care and treatment to dengue patients and suspects.

He said besides the medical-B ward, the medical-A ward and eye ward had also been specified for the treatment of dengue patients in view of the growing incidence of the mosquito-borne disease cases.

Dr Khurshid said there was 62 beds at medical-B ward, 58 at medical-A ward and 20 at eye ward.

Meanwhile, focal person for the dengue cell at the district health office, Swat Dr Inam told Dawn that besides treatment, his office was also working on dengue prevention.

He said the district health office and the municipal committee teams were carrying out fumigation and anti-mosquito spray in the district separately.

Dr Inam said the fumigation and spray would help contain the dengue problem.