Imagine a town grappling with not one, but two silent yet deadly threats. That's the reality in Turbat, where dengue fever and measles are casting a shadow over the community.
Recent reports from the Teaching Hospital Turbat reveal a concerning surge in dengue cases. Out of 1,070 tests conducted in October, a staggering 59 individuals tested positive for the virus. And this is the part most people miss: many of these cases were linked to travel to Karachi and other cities already battling dengue outbreaks. This highlights the alarming ease with which this mosquito-borne illness can spread.
Hospital authorities assure that all affected patients received prompt medical attention, with the dedicated medical team working tirelessly to ensure their recovery. Dr. Waheed Buledi, the Medical Superintendent, emphasized the crucial role of prevention. He urged residents to maintain cleanliness, eliminate stagnant water sources, and use mosquito nets or repellents to protect themselves. But here's where it gets controversial: while prevention is key, access to clean water and sanitation facilities can be a challenge in some areas, raising questions about equitable health solutions.
Adding to the health concerns, a 12-day measles and rubella vaccination campaign is set to begin on November 17th across Balochistan. Dr. Aftab Kakar, Provincial Coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), stressed the urgency of this initiative. With over 1,700 measles cases reported in Balochistan this year, including 23 confirmed deaths, the situation is dire. The lack of a robust data collection system likely means the true extent of the outbreak is even worse.
Dr. Kakar, speaking at a media seminar in Quetta, warned that measles is spreading faster than Covid-19, with one infected person potentially transmitting it to 8-10 others. This campaign aims to vaccinate children aged six months to five years, a crucial step in building herd immunity and protecting the most vulnerable.
Is enough being done to combat these preventable diseases? Are we prioritizing public health infrastructure and access to essential services? These are questions that demand our attention and collective action. Let's not wait for these silent threats to become a roaring crisis.
