KARACHI, Aug 12: Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which has emerged to be an epidemic and a common feature in Karachi for around a year, is currently registering a surge due to filth and pools of stagnant water witnessed across the city.

Healthcare professionals in the given situation have strictly advised the people to ensure that their water sources remain clean and none of their stored water is left open or inadequately covered, as mosquitoes causing Dengue breed in clean water.

They have also stressed the need for immediate removal of garbage and filth scattered around and clogged sewers properly cleaned to ensure water do not remain stagnant in any part of the city.

Karachiites in general have also been strongly advised to keep their surroundings clean and finding water standing in front of their homes must spray on it either kerosene or even mobil oil -- eliminating breeding spots for insects.

The president, Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan, Dr Naseem Salahuddin, told the APP news agency on Saturday that Dengue fever, one of the varied types of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) is largely self-limiting.

This, however, can be fatal if the affected person experiences Dengue Shock Syndrome, the senior professional said advising doctors to ensure timely diagnosis and proper investigation preventing unnecessary medication.

“Diagnosis should be made on the basis of history and blood count through a simple test,” she elaborated urging her co-professionals that it should not be confused with malaria or any other infection.

Decline in blood platelet, high fever that persists for three to five years, non-specific pain, body ache, rashes, occasional bleeding as from gums but most importantly discharge of blood from stomach as through stools are some of the manifestations of Dengue fever.

Fortunately, the expert reiterated that patients inflicted with the condition had registered complete recovery in 99 per cent cases, but there did remain risk of Dengue Sock Syndrome.

She in this context advised doctors to understand that most of the Dengue fever patients did not need blood transfusion for the sake of platelet.

In case of constant bleeding and falling blood pressure, the patient must be admitted to the hospital and provided with fluids, Dr Salahuddin said urging doctors to hydrate their Dengue fever patients well as this ensured better chances of recovery.

Doctors serving other hospitals including both private and public sectors said Dengue fever had emerged to be `Pan Karachi’ and cases from all localities ranging from Lyari, Orangi, Korangi, Malir to Clifton, Defence, Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Federal B Area were equally reporting the disease.

The IDSP president confirmed the scenario and mentioned that contrary to previous years when Dengue fever was reported from low-lying areas it was now prevalent in all parts of the city.— APP