KARACHI, Oct 20: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal said on Friday that all possible resources are being utilized to contain the spread of dengue virus in the city.

The laboratories at the city government-run hospitals would start diagnostic tests for dengue virus by Oct 21, he announced while talking to newsmen on Thursday night.

He pointed out that earlier IgM test used to be carried out in city's private hospitals, but the city government had now provided the facility of IgG test along with other tests.

The lab test kits are being purchased from the same company which was providing it to the National Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, he said.

Today, for the first time in the history of Karachi, both tests of IgM. and IgG are being undertaken free of cost, he added.

He hoped that this would help diagnose the disease and its treatment could also be started at the earliest.

He said the test of IgM was being carried in Karachi, but they had also started tests of IgG at the same time, adding collection of blood samples at all points would be started by Oct 21.

Mustafa Kamal said fumigation drives were being conducted across the city since two months on regular basis. He pointed out that the virus of dengue fever in Karachi was found positive some two years back and its maximum cases were reported last year.

We have finalized all preventive measures in the metropolis. There were only four spray machines in 2005 for 17.5 million population of Karachi. We increased the number of spray machines to 54, while six extra machines were also being given from Friday,” he added.

He further said that fumigation drives were being restarted after completion of first phase, adding this was being done under a special campaign that would be continued.

Meanwhile, the city government has launched fumigation drive in surrounding areas of Nullahs in Karachi to stop spread of virus of dengue fever.

In this regard, 450 malaria staff had been put on duties at nullahs and rivers to eliminate mosquitoes.

The sprays were conducted in areas of Shireen Jinnah Colony, Rasool Bux Colony, Boat Basin and other areas. It also issued new schedule of fumigation drives in the city.

As per new schedule, fumigation drive would be launched in Landhi Town on Oct 21; Gulshan-i-Iabal Town Oct 26; Saddar Town Oct 27; Liaquatabad Town Oct 28; Jamshed Town Oct 29; Lyari Town Oct 30; Malir Town Oct 31; Gulberg Town Nov 1; Shah Faisal Town Nov 2; Gadap Town Nov 3; Bin Qasim Town Nov 4; North Nazimabad Town Nov 5; Korangi Town Nov 6; SITE Town Nov 7; Baldia Town Nov 8 and Keamari Town on Nov 9 at 5pm.

In Gulshan-i-Iqbal fumigation drive has started in its union councils to stop spread of dengue fever.

Besides, a special chemical has been provided to the union councils to kill mosquitoes in ponds and stagnant water. This chemical will be mixed in water.

Town Nazim Wasay Jalil held a meeting to discuss the precautionary steps taken against virus.

Dr Imdadullah said that people must be made aware of dengue fever and in this connection programmes would be held in all UCs to inform people its symptoms and precautions.

He advised people to use anti-mosquito spray, keep the water covered and wear full sleeve shirt as precautionary step.—APP/PPI