MANSEHRA, June 26: The influx of tourists, particularly from Punjab, has compelled the district administration of Mansehra to launch anti-dengue fumigation campaign in the area.

“In view of the arrival of tourists and case history of dengue, we have started anti-dengue spray in the district as almost all cases reported here last year were because of carriers from Punjab from whom the virus transmitted to local people,” district coordination officer Amber Ali Khan told media person while launching fumigation campaign here on Tuesday.

He said that the health department, tehsil municipal administration and agriculture department were taking part in the campaign. The DCO said that in 2010, a total of 460 dengue cases were reported and number came down to 200 in 2011, of which only 17 cases were positive.

"All the 17 cases confirmed by the National Institute of Health last year were of people coming from Punjab or those visiting Punjab frequently,” he said.

Mr Khan said that tourists could include carriers and cause dengue outbreak in Mansehra.

Executive district officer (health) Dr Siddiqur Rehman said that as a precaution an isolation ward for dengue patients had been set up in King Abdullah Teaching Hospital. However, he added that so far no dengue case had been reported from anywhere in the district.

He said that vehicles fitted with spray machine had been made available, while in inaccessible areas handheld spray machines would be used.