Students
Dengue Prevention at LUMS
With the changing weather, dengue will be making an appearance once again this year. It is therefore vital to ensure precautions are taken to avoid this disease. Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by the bite of the female Aedes Aegypti mosquito, has four types (serotypes), all of which can cause the infection in humans. Belonging to the group of viruses named Flaviviridae genus Flavivirus, the mosquito gets the virus from the blood of an infected individual and then transfers it to other individuals.
A common occurrence in tropical climates, this viral infection also exists in cold atmospheres. At present, it affects a population of over 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries. Over 100 million individuals suffer from this infection every year. Almost 99% of those affected recover completely and only a minority develops life-threatening complications.
The A. Aegypti mosquito breeds in fresh stagnant water, like water storage tanks, discarded tires and flower pots. Usually, the mosquito attacks and bites after dawn and before sunset.
The LUMS administration is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment on campus and will be carrying out dengue prevention measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
Fumigation will be carried out on a daily basis, twice a day, in the mornings and evening. Schedules for fumigation of offices, faculty apartments, hostels and community toilets have also been decided on. All places where water can accumulate will be cleared immediately. Dengue awareness literature and an informative video will also be distributed to the LUMS community.
The following people can be contacted in case of an emergency:
- Mr. Riyaz Yusuf, Senior Officer, General Administration and Services Ext. 8332
- LUMS Security Control Room Ext. 2560, 2561, 2562.
- Dr. Abida Zaeem Jafri Ext. 3508
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Ext. 1122
Symptoms:
- Fever with severe body aches, especially in bones; which is why it is also called ‘break-bone fever’
- Severe pain behind the eyes
- Headache
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Rash with red spots on body
- Bleeding from nose and/or gums
Prevention:
- Keep water storage tanks, pots and drums covered
- Change water in flower pots daily
- Use mosquito repellents, sprays, coils, mats and nets
- Keep doors and windows open during fumigation so indoor mosquitoes are also eliminated effectively
Treatment:
- Only acetaminophen (paracetamol, panadol, colpol, febrol, etc.) should be used
- Avoid using aspirin (dispirin) and other NSAIDs (like Brufen, Ponston, Voren etc) as they increase the risk of bleeding
- Maintain adequate oral hydration
- Isolate the infected individual in mosquito nets
- Contact your physician or local hospital immediately
For more updates on dengue throughout the season, visit this page and follow LUMS on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Health Services Punjab
