ISLAMABAD: As the mercury continues to fall, the number of dengue fever cases in the federal capital reduced by over 50 per cent.

While the city was reporting over 100 cases of dengue per day, according to District Health Officer Dr Zaeem Zia only 46 cases were reported on Sunday. However, a person succumbed to the virus taking the number of casualties during the current season to 14.

Health authorities were hoping that by the end of October there would be a decline in cases of dengue because it becomes difficult for the mosquito to survive when temperature remains less than 22 degrees.

“We have been doing fumigation at hotspots and trying to eradicate the dengue larva. Moreover, last week’s rain had given us the hope that the temperature will continue to decline. It becomes difficult for dengue mosquito to survive at less than 22 degrees Celsius. Moreover, with the decrease in temperature, people stop sleeping in open spaces and close the windows and doors due to which mosquitoes remain outside the houses,” Dr Zia said.

Punjab health minister expresses satisfaction over facilities in BBH Rawalpindi

He also said that with the decrease in temperature people start wearing full-sleeve dresses due to which chances of mosquito bite decreases.

“Moreover, dengue season usually starts in late August or early September but this year the season started late. Now we have been hoping that soon the season will end,” he said.

In 2019, around 17,000 cases of dengue were reported in the federal capital but this year the cases remain less than 3,700.

No let-up in Rawalpindi

There is no let-up in the dengue fever cases in the garrison city as 659 suspected patients arrived in the filter clinics of three government hospitals and 90 of them were found confirmed dengue cases on Sunday.

Though no death has been reported from the three hospitals for the last about one month, dengue cases are still reporting from the city and cantonment areas.

According to data of Rawalpindi Medical University, 44 new patients landed at Holy Family Hospital (HFH), 23 at Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and 23 at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.

Moreover, 204 patients were admitted in the three hospitals - 89 in the HFH, 56 in BBH and 59 in the DHQ hospital.

Besides, 56 patients were discharged from the hospitals during the last 24 hours. So far, 2,561 patients were treated and discharged from the hospitals.

Minister satisfied with arrangements

Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid on Sunday visited Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) to inspect facilities being provided to the dengue patients.

Rawalpindi Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr Mohammad Umar was also present on the occasion.

They visited different wards and inquired about the facilities.

The minister also monitored the services and facilities in the dengue ward and met patients and took their feedback.

The patients expressed satisfaction over the services.

Professor Umar apprised the minister of the services and the dengue situation and arrangements.

The minister said adequate facilities were available for dengue patients. Currently, 204 patients are under treatment in the Rawalpindi hospitals.

“The dengue situation is under constant surveillance. We have enhanced anti-dengue activities and I appreciate VC Rawalpindi Medical University and the administration for making good arrangements,” she said.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2021