Via The Nation, a report datelined Karachi: Dengue may strike back in August. Excerpt:
Experts have warned the citizens that dengue fever might strike back in the metropolis in the month of August, as the ongoing rainy season can play its negative role to aggravate dengue fever in the whole province.
Experts have strongly advised the citizens to prevent themselves from mosquito bites by wearing appropriate dresses, using repellents and insecticides; stagnant rainwater on the streets of the city may activate the breed of mosquitoes, causing dengue fever and malaria.
Talking to The Nation, Dr Rafique Khanani, associated with the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), of the Infection Control Society of Pakistan (ICSP), said that it is declared a largely urban phenomenon, which starts from August and got momentum in September and October.
He said that the fatal disease spreads from Karachi to other parts of the province; but this year the largest city of the country has received very limited rain so far that is why the stagnant water can not be seen as much as it was in previous years.
There are chances of dengue fever but low intensity due to the limited amount of rain in the city, he said, adding that cases of dengue fever are being reported in the city but cases are in very limited numbers.
He said that the Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during the day, lives indoors in domestic settings and breeds in both clean and polluted water, while adult mosquito was destroyed in temperature beyond 38 C, the eggs can withstand desiccation and can hatch next year as well whenever conditions are conducive.
Dr Syed Aijaz Hussain Zaidi, a very busy physician, told The Nation that the rainy days are specific for breeding of mosquitoes causing dengue fever; the ongoing season may help activating victors (eggs) of the mosquitoes. The rainy season creates new breeding pools. The breeding of mosquitoes could be multiplied if the water of these pools did not drain properly, while the temperature from 22 to 30 degree centigrade help in the breeding of mosquitoes, he adds.
