Dengue fever has turned into an epidemic in Punjab specially Lahore after heavy rain. Over 2,000 cases had been reported in Lahore only and over 3,000 cases have been reported all over the country. Such a huge number of people become victim to the deadly ailment owing to Punjab government’s alleged failure to fumigate on time and keep a check on the quality of insecticide spray along with sanitary conditions of the city in Monsoon season.
Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness and is caused by the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito infected with dengue virus. This mosquito has black and white stripes on the body and bites only during day time. It spreads during rainy season but can breed all year round in standing water. Symptoms of the disease like body temperature reaching up to 105 degrees F, Severe pain appear in average 4–7 days. There is no specific treatment or vaccination available for dengue fever.
Prevention is better than cure is what best describes efforts to cope up with this disease. It is important to fumigate homes, offices and all fresh water reservoirs such as pools, wet flower pots, gardens etc as they could be the ideal breeding place for the mosquitoes. People can prevent mosquito bites by wearing clothing that fully covers the skin also the use of good quality mosquito repellent lotion should be encouraged. Fix net on doors and windows to avoid the entry of mosquito inside home. According to Herbal System of Medicine honey was the best cure for dengue fever.
Dengue fever is not an extremely fatal disease and survival rate is very high if reported on time. Dengue patients should increase consumption of water, juices and other healthy liquids. A scientific research in Sri Lanka suggests the use of Papaya leaf during early stage could help in curing the disease.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif instructed the authorities to consult the World Health Organization to help overcome the outbreak in the province. An appeal for blood donation is the need of the time as thousands of patients are in dire need of transfusion. People across the country are spreading the message of blood donations with patients contact number and blood group through social media.
If you are above 17 and healthy please donate your blood/platelets for the unusually high number of victims of dengue fever to help them recover as soon as possible. In case of platelet-only donation, waiting time before next donation is 5-7 days while blood donation needs a break of 3 months.
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