Pakistan to use Facebook to spread dengue awareness

The Punjab government in Pakistan will spread public awareness on dengue through social networking site Facebook.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif formally launched the Facebook page at Lahore university Friday for dengue-eradication.

Named as Shahbaz Sharif Anti-dengue Community, the Facebook page will mobilise people, especially students, in the campaign against dengue virus.

The Facebook page contains directions regarding preventive measures against dengue and the steps being taken by the Punjab government against this menace.

The Punjab health department put the toll due to dengue at 186 in the state with 168 in Lahore alone.

According to Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry, director general of Punjab's health services, 312 confirmed dengue cases were reported Friday from across Punjab, including 258 in Lahore.

Of 14,760 dengue patients in hospitals, some 12,761 had recovered, including 12,503 in Lahore, he added.