Chikungunya outbreak escalates in KP as health department issues urgent advisory
The health department has reassured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to control the spread of the virus and protect the community.
PESHAWAR: Following a surge in dengue cases across Pakistan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has raised alarm over a significant rise in chikungunya cases in recent weeks, particularly in Peshawar and Mansehra.
In response, the health department issued an official advisory on Wednesday, urging immediate measures to contain the spread of the viral infection.
Chikungunya, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, has now become a growing concern, with the KP health authorities noting an increase in reported cases. The disease causes symptoms similar to dengue, including high fever, severe joint pain, and rash. As a precautionary measure, the department has directed all district health officers (DHOs), medical superintendents (MS), and medical teaching institutes (MTIs) to take swift action based on guidelines from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The advisory emphasizes the importance of monitoring and containing the spread of the virus, especially in areas where cases have been reported. DHOs, MS, and MTIs have been instructed to conduct contact tracing to identify and evaluate potentially affected individuals. The health department has also called for increased awareness campaigns to educate the public on how chikungunya spreads and how to protect themselves from infection.
Furthermore, the advisory urges collaboration with social organizations, environmental agencies, and tehsil municipal administrations to implement preventive measures effectively. Healthcare facilities and medical institutions have been directed to ensure preparedness for managing chikungunya cases.
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With mosquito-borne diseases continuing to pose a serious public health threat in the region, authorities are focusing on public education and prevention to reduce the impact of the chikungunya outbreak. The health department has reassured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to control the spread of the virus and protect the community.
