Sindh, a province in Pakistan, is currently facing a significant increase in dengue fever cases. In the month of August alone, there were a total of 731 reported cases.
Within Karachi, the capital of Sindh, the East district had the highest number of cases with 291, followed by Central with 126, Korangi with 79, South with 136, West with 20, Malir with 40, and Keamari with 396.
Outside of Karachi, other areas within Sindh also reported dengue cases. Hyderabad had 103 cases, Mirpur Khas had 31, Larkana had 14, Sukkur had 13, and Shaheed Benazirabad had four.
Advisory from NIH
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory stating that there has been a sharp rise in dengue virus cases during the monsoon season. To control the increasing number of cases, a strong vigilant system is required.
The authorities and the public have been advised to take preventive measures to stop mosquitoes from accessing areas where they lay eggs. This can be done through environmental management and modification. It is important to regularly cover and clean domestic water storage containers to prevent the breeding of dengue larvae.
During outbreaks, insecticides should be applied as an emergency vector-control measure. Additionally, wearing clothes with full sleeves is recommended to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the monsoon season.
Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has rapidly spread worldwide in recent years. It is primarily transmitted by female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus.
SYMPTOMS
Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40°C/104°F) is accompanied by two or more of the following symptoms during the febrile phase:
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash