Frequently Asked Questions

What is dengue fever and severe dengue?

Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are 4 serotypes of the virus that causes dengue. These are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3,and DEN-4. Severe dengue is a potentially lethal complication which can develop from dengue infections.It is estimated that there are over 50-100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year and 3 billion people living in dengue endemic countries.  

Where does the disease occur?


Dengue is mainly transmitted by a mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and is distributed across all tropical countries now Pakistan is also amongst the affected countries. Ae. aegypti and other species such as Ae. albopictus are highly adaptive and their combined distribution can spread dengue during summer, particularly, after monsoon. (Note: Travelers already infected with the virus also spread the disease when they get bitten by the local Aedes mosquito population).

Dengue outbreaks can occur anytime, as long as the mosquitoes are still active. However, in general, high humidity and temperature are conditions that favor mosquito survival, increasing the likelihood of transmission.


What are the symptoms of dengue fever and severe dengue?


Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito. High Fever (40°C/ 104°F) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms:

  • Headaches 
  • Pain behind eyes 
  • Nausea, vomiting 
  • Swollen glands 
  • Joint, bone or muscle pains 
  • Rash

What is Severe dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)?


When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Temperature will decrease; this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. On the other hand, special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue:

  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Persistent vomiting 
  • Bleeding gums 
  • Vomiting blood 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Fatigue/ restlessness 

When severe dengue is suspected, the person should be rushed to the emergency room or to the closest health care provider as it causes:Plasma leaking that may lead to shock and/or fluid accumulation with/without respiratory distress; 

  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe organ impairment

What is the treatment for dengue?


There is no vaccine or specific medication for dengue fever.


Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection via Aedes mosquitoes after the first symptoms appear (during 4-5 days; maximum 12). As a precautionary approach, patients can adopt measures to reduce transmission by sleeping under a treated net especially during the period of illness with fever.
Infection with one strain will provide life-time protection only against that particular strain. However, it is still possible to become infected by other strains and develop into severe dengue. When warning signs of severe dengue are present (listed above), it is imperative to consult a doctor and seek hospitalization to manage the disease. With proper medical care and early recognition, case-fatality rates are below 1%. However, the overall experience remains very discomforting and unpleasant.


What should I do if I suspect I have dengue?



  • Evaluate your signs and symptoms; 
  • Test your blood for evidence of a dengue virus; 
  • Review your medical and travel history.

Persons who had travelled to dengue endemic countries/cities during the past two weeks should inform the doctor about it.


What should I do if I suspect I have dengue?



  • Evaluate your signs and symptoms; 
  • Test your blood for evidence of a dengue virus; 
  • Review your medical and travel history.



Who spreads dengue and severe dengue?







Where do the mosquitoes breed?


The mosquitoes thrive in areas close to human population (urban areas). The dengue mosquito lays its eggs in water-filled containers inside the house and surrounding areas of dwellings (this includes non-used bottles, containers, discarded waste, tires etc… which hold water).

The eggs hatch when in contact with water. Eggs can withstand very dry conditions and survive for months. Female mosquitoes lay dozens of eggs up to 5 times during their lifetime.

Adult mosquitoes “usually” rest indoors in dark areas (closets, under beds, behind curtains). Here it is protected from wind, rain and most predators, which increases its life expectancy and the probability that it will live long enough to pick up a virus from one person and pass it on to the next.


What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring dengue?


The best preventive measure for areas infested with Aedes mosquito is to eliminate the mosquitoes’ egg laying sites – called source reduction. Lowering the number of eggs, larvae and pupae will reduce the number of emerging adult mosquitoes and the transmission of the disease. Examples of the following habitats are listed:


  • Ant traps 
  • Flower vases and saucers 
  • Water storage tank (domestic drinking water, bathroom, etc…) 
  • Plastic containers 
  • Bottles


  • Discarded bottles and tins 
  • Discarded tires 
  • Artificial containers 
  • Tree holes, potholes, construction sites 
  • Drums for collecting rainwater 
  • Shells, husks, pods from trees 
  • Leaf axils of various plants 
  • Boats, equipment 

Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water should be covered or properly discarded. The remaining essential containers should be emptied and cleaned and scrubbed (to remove eggs) at least once a week. This will avoid the adult mosquitoes to emerge from the egg/ larva/ pupa stage.

In fact, the community participation is the key to dengue prevention. As every household aims to reduce vector density, the transmission rate will decrease or maybe even stop.


What sort of personal and household protection should be done?

Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is most effective by reducing exposed skin to mosquitoes to bite on. Long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellents (containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin) are the most viable options.
Window and door screens, air conditioning reduces the risk of mosquitoes coming into contact with the household members. Mosquito nets (and/or insecticide-treated nets) will also provide additional protection to people sleeping during the day, or protect against other mosquitoes which can bite at night (such as malaria). Household insecticides aerosols, mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers maybe also reduce biting activity.

Is there any helpline for further information?

Yes, 080099000 is the toll free helpline from where you can get further information.  

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs. But TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.  

How is TB spread?





People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers or schoolmates. A single patient can infect 10 or more people in a year.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis? Top

Common symptoms of tuberculosis are:

  • Cough for two weeks or more, sometimes with blood-streaked sputum
  • Fever, especially at night
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

How much cost of the treatment of TB?

Government of Punjab & Global Fund provides the facility of free diagnosis and free medicines to the patients.  

What are benefits of DOTS/ Why DOTS?

  • Its success rate is up to 95%
  • It prevents the spread of tuberculosis by prioritizing sputum positive patients for diagnosis and treatment, thus reducing the incidence and prevalence of TB
  • It helps in alleviating poverty by saving lives, reducing the duration of illness and preventing new infectious cases
  • It improves the quality of care and removes stigma
  • It prevents treatment failure and the emergence of MDR-TB by ensuring patient adherence to treatment and uninterrupted supply of anti -TB drugs
  • It lends credence to TB control efforts and the health system

How many people die from TB  each year?

Nearly 2 million deaths are caused by TB each year and 12% of deaths in HIV are attributed to TB worldwide.  

Which is the strongest risk factor for tuberculosis among adults and how does it affects the spread of TB?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS) is the strongest risk factor for tuberculosis among adults. Tuberculosis is one of the earliest opportunistic diseases to develop amongst persons infected with HIV. HIV debilitates the immune system increasing the vulnerability to TB and increasing the risk of progression from TB infection to TB disease. An HIV positive person is six times (50-60% life time risk) more likely of developing TB disease once infected with TB bacilli, as compared to an HIV negative person, who has a 10% life-time risk.  

Can tuberculosis be cured in HIV co-infection?

Tuberculosis can be cured, even among HIV-infected persons. TB treatment with DOTS reduces the morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV.  

For how long must tuberculosis treatment be taken?

Lung's Tuberculosis treatment requires at least 6 months of treatment.  

What is Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) is caused by strains of the tuberculosis bacteria resistant to the two most effective anti-tuberculosis drugs available - isoniazid and rifampicin. MDR TB can only be diagnosed in a specialized laboratory.  

What is the duration of treatment of Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis?

Multi-drug-resistant Tuberculosis requires at least 18-24 months of treatment with medicines which are 100 times more expensive and often highly toxic.