RAWALPINDI: The onslaught of dengue has affected more people than the government had estimated. It has prompted Rawalpindi police to ask the chief minister of Punjab to declare it an epidemic.

The police request is based on a city-wide research by Special Branch. A police officer who has been working on the research said: “We fear the number of patients will hike up to thousands.”

The research report was due to be presented to the chief minister on Friday.

The government’s efforts against the disease have so far proven ineffective as the number of affected people has increased. It is estimated some 900 patients have been treated in different hospitals and clinics across Rawalpindi so far.

A health officer said: “More than 60 patients are being reported every day and the exact figure is being hidden for fear of public alarm.”

The in-charge of dengue patients at Holy Family Hospital told Dawn all available resources were being used to treat patients.

Dr Nasir Mahmood, executive district health officer (EDO) Rawalpindi, has been recalled to Lahore while Dr Arshad Ali Sabir, medical superintendent, Holy Family Hospital, was given charge as EDO health Rawalpindi.

From August 28 to October 1, more than 950 dengue cases have been reported in the three government hospitals in Rawalpindi. The number of cases reported in private hospitals is unknown. The authorities have reported just one death by dengue, of a woman patient.

The disease has been affecting Rawalpindi and some other cities across the country. Rawal Town in Rawalpindi district is the worst affected area in the entire province of Punjab.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd , 2015

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