DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has issued a comprehensive advisory to curb the spread of Chikungunya following reported cases in Peshawar and Mansehra. Director Public Health, Dr Irshad Roghani has instructed all District Health Officers (DHOs), Medical Superintendents (MSs), and Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) to implement measures in line with the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control at the National Institute of Health.
According to a statement, the health authorities have been directed to conduct contact tracing for reported Chikungunya patients to identify and monitor potential cases.
“Awareness efforts must be intensified to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, and prevention methods,” the statement said.
Focused mosquito control measures, such as eliminating standing water and fumigation, are to be conducted in areas with positive cases to prevent further spread. Municipal administrations, environmental organizations, and social groups are urged to collaborate in efforts to control the spread of the disease.
All health facilities, including medical teaching institutions, have been instructed to ensure readiness for dealing with Chikungunya cases effectively.
Dr Roghani emphasized the importance of community participation in prevention efforts, advising the public to wear full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents.
Elimination of standing water and ensuring water containers are covered and use of mosquito nets, especially for children and the elderly were recommended by the advisory issued by the provincial health department. Dr Roghani warned that Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, poses significant health risks. Symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, fatigue, itching, and headaches. Those experiencing these symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae.
The name chikungunya derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted”.
Prevention of infection by avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection.
Patients suspected of having CHIKV infection should avoid getting mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission to mosquitoes, who may in turn infect other people, WHO said.
