NIH Issues Advisory on Prevention of Dengue Fever

News Desk

Islamabad: Since January 2023, Pakistan has reported 3,019 suspected cases of dengue fever and eight deaths in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) reporting system.

Therefore, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory for the prevention and control of Dengue fever, keeping in view the seasonal trends of the disease.

Despite patchy surveillance, a total of 52,929 cases and 224 deaths were reported in 2021, while in 2022, we reported approximately 79,007 confirmed cases of dengue with 149 deaths.

According to the NIH, the objective of the advisory is to sensitise human and animal healthcare authorities to further strengthen and improve the level of preparedness in the prevention and control of the disease before the alert season.

It is said that dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).

It is endemic in almost all geographical regions of Pakistan, and there is substantial evidence that its multiple serotypes are circulating in the different areas of the country.

In order to stop the spread of the dengue fever disease, it is essential to concentrate on prevention while remaining watchful for the detection of cases and ensuring readiness to initiate response efforts.

This advisory is meant to make it easier for healthcare professionals and authorities to handle any potential problems that may arise during dengue season. The recommendation also urges hospitals to increase their ability to manage patients, develop rapid reaction plans, and maintain constant contact with pertinent agencies and stakeholders.

According to the advisory, steps should be taken to prevent dengue fever, including using bed nets while sleeping outside in an open environment and mesh screens on windows, as well as personal protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent lotions, sprays, and coils.