Dengue fever, which appears every year like a nightmare and affects thousands of citizens, continues to pose a huge challenge for the government. Health experts attribute its widespread use to irresponsible behaviour and increased urbanisation.
Every monsoon, Dengue, also known as "breakbone fever," which has been present in our country for the past 20 years, strikes the population nationwide because no specific medications have been developed to prevent it.
Rapid urbanisation and standing water inside and outside of homes, according to experts, serve as breeding grounds for the Dengue mosquito, which infects those with weakened immune systems.
Numerous deaths occur each year as a result of the irresponsible behaviour of residents, lack of access to certain treatments, and overworked medical institutions.
As stated by Dr. Mubashir Daha, medical expert and Secretary General of the Pakistan Medical Association, "rapid urbanisation, unhygienic living conditions, co-morbidity, lack of strict vigilance, and less awareness about preventive measures can be stated as main causes for the mass spread of this disease (PMA).
According to him, additional significant factors contributing to the spread of disease in Pakistan include poor sanitation, population growth, a lack of proper medical and pharmaceutical care facilities, a high percentage of illiteracy, and a lack of immunisation expertise.
Dr. Daha pleaded that dengue's damage might be greatly diminished by preventive measures, saying that it has substantial repercussions on our economic and social status in addition to its dramatic effects on public health.
Therefore, we need to properly educate and train health professionals so that they are prepared to handle the problem, he said, arguing for the vital role that electronic media can play in increasing awareness.
Through preventive measures like spraying, fumigation, repellents, and water covers, he claimed, dengue transmission might be reduced. "To do this, we require a coordinated effort from many organisations, health teams, and the communities at large.
Since this condition recurs every year, it is urgently necessary to tighten the belt each time to take preventive steps to lessen the effects of the disease.
The Director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr. Khalid Masood, stated that dengue affects the federal capital on a seasonal basis and that many efforts are done to control it.
He claimed that, in light of the prevalence of disease, the PIMS make unique preparations each year to treat the patients. "To manage the patients' burden, we have chosen to assign three more wards with 120 additional beds for dengue patients."
He warned the populace to exercise extra caution during dengue season, especially at sunrise and twilight when dengue mosquitoes are more active. Additionally, folks ought to bring extra supplies and wear long sleeves.
In addition to a high temperature, Dr. Khawar Sultan, a medical expert at PIMS, spoke about symptoms such as prolonged vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, a drop in platelets, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
In order to avoid shock and provide basic supportive measures like fluids intravenously or orally throughout the sickness, he advised.
According to an official report, dengue is one of the human diseases that is quickly spreading and is currently one of the most common vector-borne tropical viral diseases. More than 58.4 million cases of dengue infections are reported year globally, with a death rate of between 10,000 and 20,000.
In order to minimise the effects of dengue season and ensure improved prevention and treatment options for the populace, it is crucial for policymakers and communities to remain vigilant.
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