Rawalpindi’s health officials are ramping up efforts to fight dengue fever as the monsoon season arrives when the mosquitoes that carry the disease thrive. The District Health Authority (DHA) met with officials from Rawal Town to discuss and ensure stricter enforcement of anti-dengue measures.

Dr. Ehsan Ghani, the District Health Officer (DHO), emphasized the importance of following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to combat dengue. He stressed that these anti-dengue activities will be intensified during the monsoon season to counter the increased risk posed by the rains. Dr. Ghani clarified that violations of these SOPs will not be tolerated.

The DHA is also taking steps to equip its health workers with the knowledge and skills to address the dengue threat effectively. They recently conducted training sessions for health workers led by entomologists (insect experts). These sessions provided lectures and information on best practices for preventing and controlling the spread of dengue.

The training was overseen by Dr Muhammad Asif Khan, CEO of the DHA Rawalpindi, Dr Ehsan Ghani (DHO), and Dr Javed Iqbal Soomro (DDHO). They expressed confidence that the training will significantly improve the capacity of health workers to tackle dengue fever through targeted interventions.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause a severe flu-like illness. While most people recover without complications, some can develop a severe form of the disease called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). DHF can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and even death.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family from dengue fever:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Mosquitoes that carry dengue lay their eggs in stagnant water. This can be in anything from old tires and cans to clogged gutters and puddles. Regularly check around your home and property for these potential breeding sites and eliminate them.
• Use mosquito repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to your exposed skin.
• Wear protective clothing: When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets: If you sleep in an area without screens on the windows, use a mosquito net to protect yourself from bites while you sleep.

The Rawalpindi health department and the community can significantly reduce dengue fever transmission risk. By following the anti-dengue SOPs, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and taking personal protective measures, we can all help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from this severe illness.