Compared to the previous year when it was on a killing spree, the dengue virus now seems to be on the retreat owing to the timely measures taken by the Punjab government. Contagious to a horrifying degree, it could have spread its tentacles to the rest of the country from the last year’s breeding grounds of Punjab. The measures taken by the provincial setup have prevented that at least for the time being and it must be given its due.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction that the situation is under control this year although without being complacent as he went on to warn that the virus is still a common affliction and would have to be stamped out completely. What makes the situation more problematic is that the viral fever has as such no specific medicine or vaccination. Precaution hence is the only cure. Necessary arrangements for setting up special wards in public hospitals would serve to grapple with any contingency arsing out of prevailing rainy season that can make the conditions suitable for the mosquito to thrive. That calls for measures including spray and draining out random pools of water but apart from that the citizens ought to themselves take the remedial steps within their houses and localities.