A substantial decrease has been recorded in the number of dengue patients in Punjab and 159 dengue patients were reported all over the province during last week as compare to 287 in the previous week. The dengue attack in 2014 was less severe than 2013 in Punjab.
It was informed in a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Dengue held under the chairmanship of Advisor on Health Punjab Khawaja Salman Rafiq at Civil Secretariat. Members Punjab Assembly Pir Ashraf Rasool, Majid Zahoor, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, Addl. Secretary Health (Tech) Dr. Salman Shahid, Addl. Director General Health (Dengue Control) Dr. Islam Zafar, Dean IPH Prof. Moaz Ahmad, EDO Health Lahore Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Dr. Somia Iqtidar, District Officer Health Sheikhupura, senior officers of incharge departments of all towns, representatives of Special Branch, Metrological Department, WASA, PHA, PITB and Cantonment Board were present. Dr. Islam Zafar during a briefing informed that 1218 confirmed dengue patients have been reported in Punjab so far whereas this number was 1586 last year. He further told that 11 new patients have been reported during the last 24 hours, out of which, one in Lahore and ten in Rawalpindi. EDO Lahore and District Officer Health Rawalpindi also informed the meeting about dengue outdoor and indoor surveillance activities. Incharge officer of Town Response Committee apprised the meeting about the measures taken for dengue control at town level.
Kh. Salman Rafiq expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the departments for dengue control. However, he stressed the need for making dengue surveillance system more effective in Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura.
