Caretaker Minister Health, Sindh, Dr. Saad Niaz met with Mayor Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab to discuss the prevalence of Dengue in the province. The meeting was attended by DG health, Dr. Irshad Memon and representatives of the VBD department and the local government.
After the 2022 floods cases of vector borne diseases were on the rise, however in comparison this year has seen much fewer cases. In 2023 so far there have been 427054 screenings with 960 confirmed cases of dengue as reported by the 49 reporting public and private health facilities of the province. Last year due to the floods and standing water the dengue cases had risen to 16,727 by August.
Dengue hotspots have been covered district wise in Karachi and entomological survey and vector control activities have been carried out.
Caretaker Minister Health, Sindh, Dr. Saad Niaz said that the trend of dengue infections is such that September and October have seen the most incidences. Therefore it is important to pre-empt this and ensure that all anti vector activities are increased and robust.
Case responses have been far more rapid this year as there has been a multi sectorial approach with the Health Department, Education Department, Local Government etc.
Mayor Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab mentioned that awareness has to be increased for every household with TV, print and social media engaged in informing how to prevent dengue in English Urdu and Sindhi. Focal persons from different departments need to be established so that they can communicate inter department in regards to dengue prevention.
DG Health Dr Irshad Memon suggested that those conducting larvicidal activities should be made to wear PPE for their own protection.
There have been major response components that include the development and preparedness response plan 2023 that was founded on WHO guidelines with technical support from them.
Daily and weekly trends are being monitored and reported from the beginning of the 2022 outbreak.
Continuity of essential medications in camps and health facilities of flood affected communities since 2022 with support from WHO.
Engagement of local affected communities in control interventions and enhanced coordination resource and mobilisation
Indoor Room Spray (IRS) is one of the most effective ways to reduce cases of vector borne diseases and LHWs are also trained in spreading awareness about preventing dengue. Sentinel sites have been increased exponentially as there were 119 Dengue Sentinel Sites in 2022 and in 2023 there are 153. Malaria Diagnostic and Treatment Centres both Public and Private (including PPHI) were increased; with 211 microscopy centres in 2022 to 347 and 784 RDT centres in 2022 to 890 in 2023. Leishmaniasis Sentinel Sites were also established with 27 in 2022 to 33 in 2023.
There is also lack of HR in terms of entomological, vector surveillance, case response VBDs are needed at Karachi and Hyderabad levels. These issues can be resolved through hiring on a services rendered basis and Deputy Mayor Karachi communicated with KMC and DMC for HR support.
SOPs to Avoid Dengue
1. Reduce Mosquito Habitat:
The mosquitoes which breed dengue thrive in stagnant water containing objects like tyres, plastic covers, flower pots, pets water bowls, trays, etc. Reducing the habitat available for these mosquitoes (by getting rid of stagnant water to breed) can help prevent dengue.
2. Stay in well-screened houses:
Ensure that the windows are closed properly or the door screens do not contain any holes. This would eliminate the chances of any mosquitoes entering the house. Mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue and malaria are most active between the time period dawn to dusk. Keep all your windows and shutters closed during this time.
3. Use Mosquito Repellents:
Using mosquito repellents, especially in tropical areas with high populations and crowds, can help repel mosquitoes from biting you. Especially mosquito repellent that contains DEET is extremely effective but not for children under 2 months of age Apply mosquito repellent creams on your body (areas that are exposed like neck arms feet especially etc). For children or infants, you can purchase mosquito patches, mosquito bands and mosquito wipes that are sold by reputed skincare brands in your country.
4. Wear Protective Clothing:
In order to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, one can go for long-sleeved clothes and full pants with socks & covered shoes. It is advisable to go for this kind of protective clothing specifically in dengue-infested areas.
5. Sleep Under Mosquito-net:
Sleeping under the mosquito net can provide you and your children a double layer of protection from being bitten by mosquitoes.
6. Do not let Water Stagnate Anywhere
Stagnant water that has not been emptied out leads to mosquito breeding. Empty out flower pots, clean and change water bowls of your pet, refrain from keeping any water plant in your household, check to see if septic tanks, water pipes are in perfect order and keep covered any vessel or drum that is specifically used to store water.
7. Keep Your House Airy and Well-Lit
Mosquitos commonly frequent dark and damp places. To prevent mosquitos from entering your room or house, make sure it is filled with sunlight. Additionally, on alternate days you can light camphor for about 30 minutes in your room as it has the ability to kill all kinds of pests.
