ISLAMABAD: A health expert appealed on Thursday, urging every citizen to be responsible for maintaining a clean environment to combat the mosquito-borne illness, Dengue.
Talking to the state news channel, Dr. Muhammad Ul Farid Zafar, Principal of Lahore General Hospital, emphasized the need for media cooperation with health departments to amplify awareness campaigns at the community level, coupled with heightened surveillance and the implementation of measures to control Dengue spread every year.
He highlighted the importance of citizens ensuring cleanliness in their homes to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. Dr. Zafar noted that all government departments were on high alert, continuously monitoring the situation to respond to emergencies.
Considering the alarming increase in dengue fever cases, Dr. Zafar highlighted ongoing efforts, stating, “The health department, in collaboration with district administrations, has initiated fumigation and an awareness campaign nationwide. People are now more informed about the symptoms of the Dengue virus.”
He explained that Dengue, being a significant global disease, can be avoided through preventive measures. Dr. Zafar called for adopting a healthy lifestyle, vaccinating against diseases requiring immunization, and educating people to avoid contaminated water, unhygienic food, a polluted environment, and fake medicines.
Talking about the symptoms of Dengue, he listed high temperature, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, nausea, rash, and malaise. While emphasizing that there is no specific medical treatment or vaccine for Dengue, Dr. Zafar underscored that the best defense against the Dengue virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. —APP
