Dengue season is here. What preventive measures will be devised to control the spread of dengue in 2022?

The anti-dengue campaign has been introduced by the health department in the areas where most dengue cases emerged.

According to statistics on the dengue epidemic in Pakistan, the Dengue Virus outbreak emerged in 2010. Since then, tremendous numbers of dengue cases have been reported across the country. Last year in November, Pakistan had witnessed a total of 48,906 cases of Dengue including 183 deaths as proclaimed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad. Nevertheless, the dengue season is here, and considering the amount of health and economic damage Pakistan underwent, it was highly imperative to devise a dengue control strategy.

However, health education and awareness about the epidemic is a fundamental element of any society. We believe in providing the public with authentic information about this mosquito-borne virus.

What is dengue and why is it considered an epidemic in Pakistan?

Every year thousands of dengue viral infections arise in Pakistan. The dengue virus is drastically accelerating, mainly in federal provinces. It has now become a health threat in Pakistan. It is transmitted through an infected female mosquito bite.

Dengue fever is commonly acknowledged as break-bone fever as a result of mild symptoms such as mild headaches, nausea, puking, muscle ache, and a high-grade fever to severe stomach pain. Furthermore, owing to the life-threatening consequences of this viral infection, it has become a public health issue and an epidemic. In most cases, dengue fever has prompted fatal infections.

What factors contribute to the exponential increase in dengue cases across the country?

The warm and moist climate of Pakistan has contributed significantly to the rise of dengue virus cases. Furthermore, uncovered or clogged sewage, stagnant water, and water wastes are other reasons fueling the dengue breeding rate. The spread of the infectious agent has been aided by factors such as poor sanitation and waste disposal, contaminated drinking water, and the clinical handling of dengue infections in hospitals. Moreover, neglecting to use vector management programs has had negative consequences.

What areas are more vulnerable to dengue cases?

Considering Pakistan's major cities, such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, are among the world's most densely inhabited and polluted cities, according to the WHO, they are especially vulnerable to Dengue virus outbreaks each year, as many people live in slums with poor sanitation.

How can Pakistan prevent and control dengue?

Precedent Planning and policy development by Pakistan’s Government and healthcare authorities is a paramount contribution to controlling future dengue outbreaks. This enables the preparation of surveillance systems, effective and robust vector management programs, and health facilities to eradicate the epidemic and allows policymakers to specifically target regions that are highly susceptible to dengue virus infection.

This year, to avert the dengue epidemic, the anti-dengue campaign has already been launched and implemented. Furthermore, WHO is supporting the government of Pakistan in the following process.

Anti-dengue sprays and medicines have been delivered to the pinpoint areas as the operation has commenced on 15th February. The number of staff members has been enormously increased and located at the assigned places. Additionally, a total of 19 departments are participating in a joint effort to combat the dengue outbreak.

What do effective vector management programs include?

Professional pest management companies have been at their knees during the dengue virus outbreaks by providing dynamic and efficient vector control approaches that are ecologically sustainable without compromising your family’s health and environment.

The comprehensive dengue control programs cover case management, dengue monitoring, vector control, and community awareness. 

The federal and provincial governments have formulated proactive, responsive, and robust dengue virus control programs. Moreover, awareness of personal protection measures, utilization of insecticides, and integrated vector control approaches have been envisioned.

How did the WHO participate in controlling the dengue virus in Pakistan?

According to WHO’s official website, WHO has supported the government of Pakistan tremendously by pursuing the following responsive strategy

• Strengthening of laboratory and hospital-based disease surveillance in all endemic provinces and at the national level, using existing opportunities of Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDS), field epidemiology, and dengue surveillance cells.
• Established data and report collection center at WHO country office
• Provided required diagnostics kits, medicines, pesticides, and long-lasting nets to ensure the continuity of essential care at all levels, in addition to the provision of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets for hospital patients in Karachi Sindh province.
• Trained health care providers from all endemic provinces and districts on the management of dengue cases at various levels of the health care delivery system.
• Provided training on vector surveillance and vector control including source reduction during house visits at the regional level. Trainees included selected entomologists from national and provincial programs and academia.
• Collaborated with partners and national and provincial health ministries on raising community awareness campaigns by the provision of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material.

Advise by the Health Minister of Punjab

The health minister of Punjab, Dr. Yasmeen Rashid had made amendments to the existing approach of dengue virus control to curb the spread more proactively. Dengue detection programs were exponentially increased throughout the province. Additionally, house owners were advised to receive fumigation services from professional pest control companies at the right time.

Community education and awareness, in addition to vector manager initiatives, are vital in preventing the epidemic. Dengue virus fever prevention messages were broadcast on a variety of television and radio stations.