KHAR: The health department in collaboration with the local administration on Friday launched a fumigation drive against dengue in the Bajaur Agency.

Talking to reporters at the launching ceremony here, agency surgeon Dr Zakir Hussain said the fumigation drive had been launched on the directives of the Fata directorate to protect the people from the dengue disease following detection of several dengue cases in the nearby districts.

He said the drive was part of precautionary measures being taken for prevention of dengue virus in the region.

He said special vehicles and motorcycles were being used for the purpose, adding several teams of the health department were taking part in the drive.

Dr Hussain said each vehicle entering the agency would be fumigated to prevent spread of the virus in the region.

He said initially the drive had been launched in most populated areas like Khar tehsil and would be extended to other parts later.

The agency surgeon said anti-malaria sprays were also being conducted in the agency.

He said two local residents had been affected by dengue virus some days ago, but added both had been staying in Manshera district in connection with business matters.

Meanwhile, the local administration on Friday banned use of old tyres in order to neutralise the threat of dengue virus.

The decision was made during a meeting of the senior officials of the administration and health department chaired by additional political agent Mohammad Irfanuddin Khan.

The participants discussed measures being taking to prevent the dengue disease in the agency, and expressed satisfaction over the efforts being made in that regard.

The officials on the occasion directed the levies personnel to ensure implementation of the ban in letter and spirit.

It was also decided that seminars and workshops would be arranged highlighting causes of dengue virus and significance of cleanliness to prevent it.

Published in Dawn, October 10th , 2015

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