Dengue death toll rises to 34 in KP

PESHAWAR: The death toll from the dengue outbreak in the provincial capital reached 34 on Monday as another person succumbed to the virus on Monday, with people from all walks of life protesting the lack of measures taken by the government to control the disease.

According to Dengue Response Unit, 14-year-old Muzammil died of dengue virus at Khyber Teaching Hospital. The 14-year-old was admitted to the hospital on September 20.

Over 1,100 people were tested for dengue virus across the province, according to Dengue Response Unit (DRU)with 195 people tested positive for the virus.

At present, 276 people are admitted to different hospitals of KP for treatment against dengue virus.

Against rising death toll

To protest the inadequate measures in place by the provincial government, people from different walks of life gathered on Jamrud Road in Peshawar.

According to the protesters, dengue virus was claiming precious lives while the provincial government was watching as mere spectators, not taking concrete steps. 

The protesters demanded patients and families of the deceased be given a monetary compensation. “A deceased’s family should be given Rs1 million while a patient should get Rs50,000,” a protester said.

The agitated people shouted slogans against the provincial government, saying Imran Khan can hold public rallies in Sindh but cannot come to the province. They also blocked a main thoroughfare by burning tyres.