Dengue outbreak has set a new record as the number of reported cases hit 50,000

• During the current year, over 49,587 dengue cases were reported all across Pakistan.

• However, the death rate this year is four times less than the previous death toll.

The number of reported dengue cases set a new record, by surging to 49,587 this year. 5000 cases were reported over the span of two weeks alone.

The figure is the highest that Pakistan has experienced in the past.  Before that, the highest number of dengue cases reported as in 2011, when over 27,000 people were infected with dengue.

However, the death toll this year was four times lesser than the past. Previously, the death toll was 370 as compared to this year’s 79.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), Sajid Shah, said, “This year an unprecedented number of dengue cases have been reported across the globe. Besides, the mechanism of recording the cases has improved across the country.”

World Health Organization

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is included in the top 10 global public health threats. Many countries across the globe were affected by the global outbreak of dengue.

“It is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated at the National Institute of Health for dengue outbreak. Our statistics are much better than in other countries, but our task is not over. Based on recent experience, we will develop a comprehensive multi-sectoral national action plan in coordination with the provinces and will defeat dengue within the next few years,” Mr. Shah claimed.

Dengue is spread by a mosquito bite. The patients face a lack of platelets, as the blood does not have the normal clotting capability. If not treated timely, complications may occur.

Also See:

2011: How Shahbaz Sharif’s Government Set A Benchmark For The World To Overcome Dengue

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