RAWALPINDI:As many as 22 more dengue patients were reported in three government hospitals on Saturday, taking the tally of the season to 243 in the district.

According to the District Health Authority, a total of 148 patients arrived in the hospitals from the garrison city, 58 from Islamabad, eight from Attock, three from Chakwal, one each from Multan, Mianwali, Kohat, Gujrat, Laki Marwat and Bhakhar.

Of these, 33 patients are admitted to Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital and 210 were discharged.Most of the patients in the city arrived from Dhoke Ratta, Chaman Zar Colony, Dhoke Munshi, DAV College Road, Naseerabad and Tench Bhatta.

A senior official of the District Health Authority told Dawn that the number ofpatients had increased to 243 in the district and it was expected thatmorepatientswould land in hospitals in coming days.

He said 23,884 houses were checked on Saturday anddenguelarvae were found in 327 houses and 52 commercial areas. The District Health Authority launched an aggressive campaign to eliminate thedenguelarvae.He said fogging would be started in the affected union councils on a priority basis.

He said dengue patients would not be allowed to use home remedies or tips for treatment and would be provided treatment at government hospital free of cost. Papaya leaves have nothing to do with the dengue treatment, he added.

The official said dengue patients should take proper rest and reduce consumption of water, juices and liquids when the fever subsides. Complications may occur after the fever subsides, so patients should consult doctors.

If a patient experience abdominal pain, vomiting or sweating after the fever subsides, they should immediately contact a qualified doctor, he added.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2023