Dengue is a disease caused by a virus, spread through a mosquito bite. While initially a disease of the sub-tropic areas of Central America, Oceania, and South America, it has become widespread in Pakistan as well.
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Dengue in Pakistan
While the first case in Pakistan was reported in 1994, since 2010 it has morphed into an endemic. Every year a load of dengue increases, but the regional health care facilities fail to effectively combat it as they also have to fight with cholera, typhoid and serious malnutrition that occurs due to floods that have been ongoing since 2010. If you are facing any similar problems make sure to consult a general physician in Multan for a consultation.
Many factors contribute to the spread of dengue. The high temperatures in the summer are favourable for mosquitoes, which is an important vector in the spread of this disease. Moreover, there is unregulated urbanization and environmental sanitation, which contributes to the increase in waste containers; the latter provide breeding sites for the mosquitoes. Additional factors include overpopulation, lack of clean water, poor socio-economic conditions and overburdened healthcare facilities.
Rise of Dengue Virus Cases in Pakistan 2022
According to dengue statistics, as of 20 August 2022, there have been 1807 cases, including 875 confirmed cases of dengue in Pakistan. Moreover there is a spike of 932 cases from 4 July 2022.
Dengue Prevention
So how can you protect yourself this monsoon season from this disease, read on to find out:
1. Take protective measures
Avoid wearing short-sleeved clothes when you are outside, at dawn or dusk. If you have to be outdoors, choose breathable, long-sleeved garments. Wear neutral colours when possible, and pre-soak the garments and outer gear in permethrin. On exposed skin, use an insect repellent, with at least 20 percent Picaridin or 20-30 percent DEET. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often to reapply. You should use a sunscreen under the repellent (at least 20 minutes prior).
2. Clean your environment
Another way to ensure that mosquitoes don’t breed around your houses and living areas is to improve the environmental sanitation. Get rid of open containers, unused tires and boxes and spray insect killer in areas that seem suspicious to you. Also, use screens and windows to ensure that they don’t enter the house. Use larvicides in surrounding stagnant water and improve hygiene practices.
3. Use a mosquito repellent
You should use a good mosquito repellent to protect your self from mosquito bites. You should use it both indoors and outdoors.
4. Wear proper clothes
Your attire must be sufficient to keep mosquitoes at bay. Ideally you should wear shirts with long sleeves to keep your body covered.
5. Spread awareness
Spreading disease awareness is also a means of protection. Preventive measures should be taken by the government to fight the surge in new cases. According to provincial health minister of Punjab, Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, lady health workers have been recruited to spread disease awareness amongst the residents. However, little else is being done by the government to curb the rise of cases. Thus it falls upon the residents to take protective measures themselves.
Despite the protective measures, if you contract dengue fever, then timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Book an appointment with a general physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and other cities through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
