DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has issued urgent directives to the relevant authorities to initiate emergency response and preventive measures following the confirmation of 16 cases of Chikungunya in the provincial capital.
The mosquito-borne viral disease, which shares symptoms with dengue and causes fever, joint pain, and rashes, has raised concerns among health officials.
The department emphasized the need for immediate vector control, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced surveillance to curb the spread of the virus.
According to Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan, suspected cases with symptoms of fever were recently reported in Safid Dheri area of the provincial capital.
A health team promptly collected samples from 21 individuals, which were sent to the Public Health Reference Laboratory for testing. Laboratory analysis confirmed 16 cases of Chikungunya.
An official advisory has been issued to the District Health Officer (DHO) Peshawar to ensure immediate action.
In line with this directive, a control room has been established at the DHO office to coordinate response efforts and monitor the situation closely.
Epidemiological investigations were underway to trace the source and transmission patterns of the virus, the health department said.
Meanwhile, vector control activities, including fogging and larviciding, have commenced to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in the affected area.
Public awareness campaigns were also being conducted to educate residents on preventive measures.
Health facilities in the area have been instructed to ensure the availability of diagnostic kits and essential medicines.
A daily situation report will be submitted to the Directorate General Health Services to track the progress of containment efforts. The public has been urged to adopt mosquito prevention practices and limit unnecessary movement in the area.
The health department has emphasized that strict monitoring and contact tracing are in place, and all available resources are being utilized to prevent the spread of the disease beyond the union council level.
