Preventive steps stressed to avert chikungunya outbreak

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) has raised concerns over the growing global threat of chikungunya and has called on federal and provincial health authorities to take immediate preventive measures to avert a potential outbreak in Pakistan.

The concern follows recent alerts issued by the World Health Organization, which reported that the mosquito-borne viral disease has now spread to over 100 countries.

In a statement, Dr Rashid Mahmood, President of the Peshawar Chapter of PAFP, emphasized that the rising number of chikungunya cases globally poses a direct threat to Pakistan, where favorable climatic conditions and poor sanitation could facilitate the rapid spread of the virus.

He warned that without swift and coordinated action, the country could face serious public health consequences.

Dr Mahmood stressed the need for preparedness on multiple fronts. He urged health authorities to establish early detection systems, deploy rapid diagnostic tools, and develop a coordinated emergency response strategy to handle suspected cases.

He called for strengthening the primary healthcare infrastructure and training frontline doctors to properly diagnose and manage chikungunya cases.

In addition to medical preparedness, the PAFP urged the government to intensify anti-mosquito campaigns across both urban and rural areas.

It said these efforts should include fumigation drives, larvicide spraying, and mass awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about mosquito breeding and prevention.

Public cooperation, the statement said, is essential in the fight against chikungunya.

Citizens were advised to eliminate stagnant water from their surroundings, use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets, especially in high-risk areas.

They were also urged to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or rash occur, and to avoid self-medication.