KARACHI – A report of Economic Survey of Pakistan 2011-12 has mentioned that heavy monsoon rains in Punjab provided ideal conditions for dengue-bearing mosquitoes to thrive in stagnant water in 2011.

“In Pakistan, the outbreak of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) was first reported in Karachi in 1994, followed by outbreaks in 2005, 2008, and most recently in 2011. Although the disease spread in all provinces, Punjab was badly where 21,292 cases were confirmed. No deaths have been reported so far in 2012,” the report adds.
Highlighting the issue in Sindh, the reports says, “In Sindh, a total of 1,547 suspected cases were reported out of which 1,326 were from Karachi and 221 were from the rest of Sindh in 2011. 18 of these cases were fatal, 16 from Karachi and two from the rest of Sindh. Sindh’s response to this outbreak included detailed situation analysis of epidemiology and entomology of transmitting vectors. Provincial strategic planning for sustained control of vector borne diseases involve: adopting integrated diseases control for dengue, malaria and leishmaniasis.
The report claims that the incidence of dengue in Balochistan was much less as compared to other provinces. “However, the government of Balochistan also took necessary measures to overcome any emergency situation related to dengue.”
“In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a total of 386 confirmed cases with 7 deaths were reported from Peshawar in 2011, Abbotabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Mardan, Swat and Nowshera. Rs 55million was released for purchase of larvicides, insecticides, spray machines, foggers, and social mobilisation activities. To address future dengue outbreaks a scheme at a cost of Rs 265.7 million has been approved. The scheme will be implemented in all 25 districts of the province for three years. Main components of the scheme include institutionalisation, advocacy, social mobilisation and communication, vector control and surveillance, disease management and surveillance, and research and development,” the report maintained.
Meanwhile, Provincial Dengue Surveillance Cell of Sindh Health Department on Saturday confirmed that as many as seven new cases of dengue fever had been reported in the metropolis. As per the report, as many as 89 cases have been reported in the city during the ongoing year. Out of the total cases ,87 cases were found positive with the virus.
As per the report, as many as 55 patients have been admitted to various hospitals in the city, while five patients are still housed in various health facilities.