GUJAR KHAN: Over 60 people of Gujar Khan contracted dengue virus in one month while the anti-dengue teams of local administration have stepped up efforts to contain the virus, sources in the health department and tehsil administration told Dawn.

According to the sources, patients were referred to Rawalpindi hospitals after preliminary treatment and screening at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

The deputy district health officer (DDHO) Gujar Khan, Dr Umar Farooq, told newsmen that over 5,540 houses in the tehsil were thoroughly checked by the health department teams and destroyed larvae in 55 houses.

Gujar Khan Assistant Commissioner Seemal Mushtaq said over 25 properties had been sealed.

She further said a nonstop drive had been launched against the disease with emphasis on propagating awareness of causes, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment of the disease.

The assistant commissioner said she had visited remote areas of Daultala, Bewal and urban areas of Gujar Khan tehsil.

The officer said students and teachers were regularly organising seminars and anti-dengue walks to sensitise people about the seriousness of the issue.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2019