ISLAMABAD: Keeping in view the hyperactive season of mosquitoes, and previous seasonal trends of vector-borne diseases, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued advisories regarding prevention and control of dengue fever and Chikungunya.

It also issued another advisory regarding the primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) also called Naegleriasis.

The objective of the advisories issued by Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division of the NIH is to sensitise human and animal healthcare authorities to further strengthen and improve the level of preparedness in prevention and control of these diseases.

According to the advisory, dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus), which are widely distributed in subtropical and tropical areas of the world, including Pakistan.

Dengue fever is endemic in almost all geographical regions of Pakistan and there is substantial evidence that its multiple serotypes are circulating in the different areas.

Despite patchy surveillance, a total of 3,204 cases of dengue fever were reported in Pakistan during 2018. It is imperative to work on prevention while staying vigilant for detection of cases and ensuring preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission. This advisory is, therefore, intended to facilitate the healthcare authorities and professional in effectively dealing the potential challenge during the next few months.

“Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by Chikungunya Virus (CHKV) and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes to humans. Chikungunya occurs in tropical countries and has been reported from Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor,” it stated.

Following an outbreak of Chikungunya in Karachi in 2017 and subsequent detection of travel associated cases in different parts of the country, the disease is now endemic in many parts of the country like dengue fever. It is imperative to undertake preventive measures while staying vigilant to pick suspected cases, confirming the disease and taking steps to interrupt further transmission.

The primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) also called Naegleriasis is a disease of the central nervous system caused by the free-living ameba Naegleriafowleri. Although considered rare globally, the disease is almost invariably fatal. Deaths related to PAM have been regularly reported from tertiary care hospitals of Karachi during summers since 2008. Despite surveillance limitations, a total of 88 cases are on record in Pakistan in last 10 years with a case fatality rate of 100pc.

During this year, Karachi has reported three deaths due to Naegleriasis. To mitigate the risks associated with the hot season ahead, it is imperative to undertake immediate and long-term preventive measures in cities.

Vigilant surveillance is also imperative to pick the suspected cases for disease confirmation and ensuring aggressive measures to interrupt further transmission.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2019