Dengue fever pandemic: A new terrorist of the year 2011.(Disease/Disorder overview)

Byline: ZARINA PATEL

Dengue fever has created havoc in the big cities of Punjab causing mass number of cases and casualties. According to the WHO report on dengue situation 2011, "a total of 9,451 cases and 45 deaths due to dengue infection, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.47 percent were reported so far. In 2010, a total of 7,403 cases and 19 deaths, with a CFR of 0.26 percent were reported during the same reported time." The outbreak of dengue fever pandemic in Punjab is an alarming state for more provinces as well.

Origin: These days People are cautious to know the background and history of this epidemic virus. Historians believe that dengue virus and its carrier mosquito have their origin from Africa. This species is thought to have made its way out of Africa on slave ships during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. By 1800, it spread in many large tropical cities, especially those with very active shipping ports. The mosquito population remained stable in these areas for many years before experiencing a growth explosion during and after World War II. Tropical and sub-tropical regions such as South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Indonesia are favourite places of the mosquitoes. Dengue fever is …