Health expert urges public to keep surroundings clean in fight against dengue

National Skills University Senior Virologist Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar talking to the State channel asked the citizens to prevent mosquito breeding in the vicinity of their homes due to the alarming rise of dengue cases in Islamabad.

He said that there was neither a vaccine effective nor any treatment for dengue, as dengue was spreading by mosquitoes and therefore the prevention of mosquito breeding was the only effective measure for its control.

He explained that dengue was a mosquito-borne infection, which in recent years has become a major public health concern, adding that dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children, and adults mostly.

He encouraged citizens to stay alert and advised them to change the water in their coolers, pots, etc, adding that more than 200 dengue cases were only reported in the capital city in the last few weeks.

He said fever, abdominal pain, severe headache, aching body, including pain in joints, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes were among dengue fever symptoms.

Dr. Mukhtar said used tire shops, flower pots, water containers, and toilet bowls were the major breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes.

He urged people especially youngsters to actively participate in anti-dengue activities and play their role in eradicating the virus through creating awareness among the masses on social media platforms.

The expert also stressed upon the government’s healthcare authorities to further enhance capabilities to cope with the looming threat of dengue.

All necessary precautionary measures against dengue should be adopted besides adopting precautionary measures against coronavirus pandemic, he stressed.
He also asked teachers to enhance the understanding of schoolchildren about mosquito-borne diseases.