Seminar on "Dengue"

As the suitable season for the population growth of mosquitoes is around the corner, speakers at a seminar on Saturday called for expedited efforts on the part of individual and society to fight dengue by removal of filth, garbage and accumulated water from their localities. . They addressed a seminar on Dengue and took out an awareness walk arranged by Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, MNA Haji Akram Ensari and MPA Haji Khalid Saeed. The Walk started from Admin Bock and concluded at Iqbal Auditorium. Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof Dr Muhamamd Arshad, Department of Entomology Chairman Prof Dr Muhammad Jalal Arif, Prof Dr Anjum Sohail and Dr Khuram Zia also spoke on the occasion. . Addressing the seminar, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad praised the steps being taken on the part of Punjab Government as it (dengue) is controlled within a short span of time whereas other countries took years to limit the disease. He said misconception regarding dengue prevailed in the society that needs to be eliminated through proper awareness to the people. He urged the students to keep home, environment and surrounding hygiene; remove all stagnant water and containers; avoid accumulation of ground water; fill up all defective grounds and don’t store water. MNA Haji Akram Ensari said that the Provincial government has mobilized the all the community in the country to fight the epidemic. He said that same spirit will help combat the other challenges. MPA Haji Khalid Saeed said the Punjab Government is making all-out efforts becoming milestone in this regard. He said that observing the Dengue Day was the part of Chief Minister Campaign aimed at educating the masses about prevention. Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad urged the people to enhance their role in the campaign by eradication the filths from the localities; raising awareness and make the timely treatment of the disease that will lower down its impact. He urged the campus community to become role model in this regard in order to transfer its trickle down impact. He called for wrapping all unused plastic tyres; egularly change water in animal drinking containers and use mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito bite. Prof Dr Muhammad Jalal Arif said that his department was working on 1o dengue projects that will bring tangible results in this regard. He said the Entomology Department is focusing on controlling the mosquito population. Taking about are signs of the dengue infection getting serious, eh said the swelling on face, hands and feet, or bleeding from any part of the body are the sign showing the disease getting severe.. Prof Dr Anjum Sohail said that reduction in platelets is not only the symptoms of dengue from which one can be declared dengue patient. He said that in other diseases like Malaria, the level of platelets goes down. He said that in the season, the insect borne diseases can go increase so we have to take the precautionary measures. He warned that yellow fever virus is present in the South Africa. The virus can hit the country if suitable measures were not taken. He stressed the need to raise the awareness. Dr Khurum Zia said that the next three months are most critical for the outbreak of dengue in the country. Keeping in view, we have to raise the efforts by giving the awareness to the masses.