The country is in the grip of Hemorrhagic Fever known as 'Dengue Fever.' Health officials claim that out of 2,009 suspected dengue fever cases reported, 596 have been confirmed as positive. The authorities also maintain that an effective mass awareness campaign is being carried out across the country and people are being informed about precautionary measures.

Mosquito-borne dengue fever is caused by a specific type of mosquito, the 'Aedes Mosquito' that bites only during daytime, especially during sunrise and sunset. The mosquitoes usually breed in rain water accumulated in discarded containers and car tires. We are especially prone to this disease because of stagnant rain/drainage water in the slums and in posh localities. It's an irony that we are as yet unable to address such a basic problem.

Symptoms are associated headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea/vomiting and rashes. The fever lasts for 5-6 days and terminates abruptly, while fatigue lasts for several days after the infection. Doctors are of the view that as Dengue fever is confused with malaria and typhoid, malarial smear and blood culture are also needed. Researchers have informed that antibiotics do not play any role in curing Dengue fever patients and a person can recover fully if he/she is kept hydrated. Experts are of the view that prevention is only possible by controlling the mosquitoes.

One hopes that the epidemic is controlled at the earliest by the government. Essentially the basic problem that needs to be addressed is increasing awareness about hygiene and cleanliness - this can be a collective effort of public-private partnership to be more effective. The people too have a civic responsibility and should refrain from throwing waste and garbage out on the open.

Syed Junaid Ahsan
Editor