EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN FOR DENGUE CONTROL IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN - AN EXPERIENCE OF 2 YEARS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of comprehensive campaign for dengue control in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Station Health Organization Multan and Departments of Pathology, Combined Military Hospital Multan, from Mar 2019 to Dec 2020. Methodology: This study was conducted by implementing a comprehensive campaign by involvement of public health workers in high risk dengue area of Multan. There were five phases of this campaign; awareness, situation analysis, vector surveillance, indoor residual sprays where vector was found and contact tracing of dengue fever cases. The system was developed in 46 Mohallas/localities of Multan. Hot spot for mosquitoes breeding were identified at 15 places. Total of 23 health workers were recruited including 3 female workers. Insecticide spraying was carried out by indoor residual spray pumps & thermal foggers in a cyclic pattern. Results: During 2019, 42 larvae were identified followed by insecticide sprays & follow up visits; 26 cases of dengue fever were diagnosed and treated at CMH Multan in a dedicated dengue ward. Contact tracing was carried out and indoor residual sprays were carried out in 20 houses around residence of these cases. In 2020, 5 larvae were identified followed by sprays & follow up visits; 2 cases of dengue fever were diagnosed and treated. Conclusion: Comprehensive campaign against dengue fever was quite successful to control spread of dengue fever.