LAHORE - The Punjab government has released Rs1 million for the center of excellence set up for operational research on dengue virus at Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital where research will be conducted on blood samples of one thousand patients. This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister's Task Force, Dr Asad Ashraf during a press conference here on Monday. He said the chief minister had constituted a special committee to probe into the causes of dengue virus spread and failure on the part of departments concerned to take timely action for its prevention. He said strict action would be taken as per law against the persons responsible. Director General Health Punjab, Dr Muhammad Aslam and other officers were also present on the occasion. Dr Asad Ashraf said that dengue virus is also found in other countries but this disease is curable. He said that although complete elimination of dengue virus was not possible, however, it could be controlled by taking preventive measures and exterminating mosquitoes through spray and other means. He said this situation could have been controlled if the district government institutions had taken timely action on the directions of provincial health department. Dr Asad Ashraf said due to the measures taken on the instructions of Punjab chief minister, the situation was improving. He said currently 319 spray teams and fogging machines were spraying in the city and this process would be completed soon. Dr Asad Ashraf informed that 1,197 cases of dengue virus had been traced in Punjab. He said there were 1,115 cases of dengue virus in Lahore while 13 new cases were reported in Lahore and one in Rahim Yar Khan on November 24. He said 72 dengue patients were under treatment in various teaching hospitals. Dr Asad Ashraf said that dengue virus situation was being monitored on daily basis and a report was being sent to the chief minister. He said platelets were available at Children Hospital, Mayo Hospital and Jinnah Hospital besides Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) Jail Road which are being provided to the patients as per the doctors' instructions.