Dengue becomes threat again: seminar told

our correspondent
LAHORE: Experts at a seminar on dengue fever said this year again dengue has become a serious problem for people of Pakistan as over 2,000 cases had been reported in Lahore only and over 3,000 cases have been reported all over the country.

The moot was organized by Allama Iqbal Medical College on Wednesday at its auditorium. There, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital Prof Javed Akram said bite of a mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) caused dengue, which has previously bitten an infected person. This mosquito spreads during rainy season but can breed all year round in standing water in flower pots, plastic bags, tires and cans. Most dengue infections are mild and self-limiting but some can progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and cause bleeding resulting to death.

Dr Sobia Qazi said that other than wearing long sleeved shirts and eliminating bodies of standing water, it is really important that a mosquito repellent is used which is formulated on WHO (World Health Organization) standards and can protect for up to 8 hours from dengue and malaria.