Pakistan dengue cases reach almost 9,800

Islamabad, Sep 24 (IANS) The number of dengue cases in Pakistan has reached 9,781, and at least 100 people have died due to the disease, the prime minister’s office said Saturday.

A team from the World Health Organisation (WHO) will reach Islamabad Sunday, and suggest measures to control the epidemic, Xinhua reported citing a statement.

A TV channel reported that the toll from dengue reached 102 in Punjab province, the worst affected region.

Another team from Indonesia will visit Pakistan next week to help the authorities in controlling the fever.

Hospitals are running short of beds. Many patients have complained about lack of doctors and medical facilities.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued directives for setting up of field hospitals in the province to treat dengue patients, officials said.

He directed the authorities to conduct walk-in interviews of health workers. More than 600 nurses have been hired, while over 100 dispensaries will be set up to treat dengue patients for free throughout the year.