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Dengue Fever in Pakistan

03 Oct 2013

The media has reported on the dengue fever situation in Pakistan. In the last six weeks there has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever in the Swat district of Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KPK) province in the north-west of the country. As of 25 Sep 2013, a total of 6376 suspected cases and 23 deaths were reported in the district since 7 Aug 2013. It is hoped that cases will begin to decrease soon with the onset of cooler autumn weather in the mountainous region.

In the capital city of Karachi, Sindh province in the south-east of the country, 91 new suspected cases of dengue fever were reported recently making a total of 1520 cases to date in 2013. The total for Sindh province for 2013, thus far is 1749.

Advice for Travellers

Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.