Zealand wants answers for oil spill

Crews scrambled to off-load oil from a stranded container ship in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty on Sunday. Risky weather conditions, including possible gale-force winds, threatened to slow down the operation. The spill has already leaked 20 tonnes of oil into the pristine waters since it ran aground on Wednesday.

Officials worry that if the 1,700 tonnes of oil still left on board Rena are not emptied, the ship could break up and sink, potentially causing New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster in decades.
The vessel should be emptied within two days, according to officials.
New Zealand’sPM John Key is asking for answers as to how the ship managed to hit a reef in calm waters. Key flew over the scene on Sunday to witness the 12 nautical miles affected by the spill.
The area is home to whales, dolphins, penguins and seals. A number of seabirds have already been killed by the toxic sludge.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) said the operation was making “good progress on a number of fronts” by the end of the day on Sunday.
They hope to contain most of the oil before it leaks to the coastline, although the MNZ said it was impossible to avoid at least some oil reaching the coast. Officials predict that oil could make it to land as early as Wednesday.
Around 250 people have joined the response team, including specialists from Australia, Britain, Holland and Singapore.

AUSTRALIA LEAD THE SERIES

CAPTAIN Michael Clarke hit his 15th test century to lead Australia to a draw in the final test against Sri Lanka in Colombo yesterday and a 1-0 win in the three-match series. Clarke and Michael Hussey put together a record fifth wicket partnership of 176 to inflict a first home defeat in a test series on Sri Lanka since it lost to Pakistan in 2006. The visitors, who had trailed Sri Lanka after the first innings by 157 runs, were dismissed for 488 in their second on the final day. Sri Lanka was left needing 332 for victory off 17 overs and had made 7-0 in two overs...

What Women Should Know About Cervical Cancer and the Human Papilloma VirusOne of the best and proven steps that you can take to prevent a cancer is to have a Pap test. * The Pap test looks for changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. * If cancer does occur, the Pap test can find it early when it is easier to treat. * Your doctor or nurse can tell you how often you should have a Pap test. Changes in the cervix are often caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infections can lead to cervix cancer. This booklet has answers to many questions women may have about: * Preventing cervix cancer or finding it early * Pap tests * Human papilloma virus (HPV) * HPV tests The most important message for women is to have regular Pap tests to prevent cancer of the cervix from ever occurring. There are different types of HPV. This booklet gives information about the type of HPV that causes changes in the cervix. This booklet is not about the type that causes genital warts. What is cervix cancer? Cancer of the cervix is cancer that begins in the cervix, the part of the womb (or uterus) that opens to the vagina. diagram showing ovaries, uterus, vagina, and cervix The cervix separates the womb (or uterus) from the vagina. How common is it? Cervix cancer is rare in this country today because most women get regular Pap tests. What is a Pap test? The Pap test helps doctors find early changes in the cervix cells that might lead to cancer. It is done during a pelvic exam. Abnormal results on a Pap test are common. diagram showing how a Pap test is done. With a Pap test, the doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix with a swab or soft brush. Do we know what causes cervix cancer? Cervix cancer is caused by a virus called HPV. What is HPV? HPV is short for human papilloma (pap-ah-LO-mah) virus. This virus can cause changes in the cervix. HPV is not the same as HIV. HPV is not a new virus, but we are learning more about this virus. Most people who have ever had sex have had HPV at some time in their lives. How does HPV lead to cervix cancer? HPV is spread through sex, and it can cause an infection in the cervix. The infection usually doesn’t last very long because your body is able to fight the infection. If the HPV doesn’t go away, the virus may cause cervix cells to change and become pre-cancer cells. Pre-cancer cells are not cancer. Most cells with early pre-cancer changes return to normal on their own. Sometimes, the pre-cancer cells may turn into cancer if they are not found and treated. Very few HPV infections lead to cervix cancer. Who can get cervix cancer? Because HPV is so common, any woman who has ever had sex can get cervix cancer. But, most women who get HPV do not get cervix cancer. Women who have their Pap tests as often as they should are least likely to get cervix cancer. Some women have a greater chance of getting cervix cancer if they: * Have HPV and it doesn’t go away * Have HIV or AIDS * Smoke Women who do not have Pap tests at all or who do not have them as often as they should have the greatest chance of getting cervix cancer. If I’m not having sex, do I still need to get a Pap test? Yes. Women who were sexually active in the past can still get cervix cancer. Who can get HPV? Any man or woman who has ever had sex can get HPV. The virus is spread by sex. Condoms do not completely protect you from HPV, but are very helpful in protecting you from other infections that can be spread through sex. Are there any symptoms of HPV? No. Most people will never know they have HPV. But if the HPV does not go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cervix cells. These changes usually show up on your Pap test.

One of the best and proven steps that you can take to prevent a cancer is to have a Pap test.

• The Pap test looks for changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer.
• If cancer does occur, the Pap test can find it early when it is easier to treat.
• Your doctor or nurse can tell you how often you should have a Pap test.

Changes in the cervix are often caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infections can lead to cervix cancer.
This booklet has answers to many questions women may have about:

• Preventing cervix cancer or finding it early
• Pap tests
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• HPV tests

The most important message for women is to have regular Pap tests to prevent cancer of the cervix from ever occurring.
There are different types of HPV. This booklet gives information about the type of HPV that causes changes in the cervix. This booklet is not about the type that causes genital warts.

What is cervix cancer?

Cancer of the cervix is cancer that begins in the cervix, the part of the womb (or uterus) that opens to the vagina.

The cervix separates the womb (or uterus) from the vagina.

How common is it?

Cervix cancer is rare in this country today because most women get regular Pap tests.

What is a Pap test?

The Pap test helps doctors find early changes in the cervix cells that might lead to cancer. It is done during a pelvic exam. Abnormal results on a Pap test are common.

With a Pap test, the doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix with a swab or soft brush.

Do we know what causes cervix cancer?

Cervix cancer is caused by a virus called HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is short for human papilloma (pap-ah-LO-mah) virus. This virus can cause changes in the cervix. HPV is not the same as HIV.
HPV is not a new virus, but we are learning more about this virus. Most people who have ever had sex have had HPV at some time in their lives.

How does HPV lead to cervix cancer?

HPV is spread through sex, and it can cause an infection in the cervix. The infection usually doesn’t last very long because your body is able to fight the infection. If the HPV doesn’t go away, the virus may cause cervix cells to change and become pre-cancer cells. Pre-cancer cells are not cancer. Most cells with early pre-cancer changes return to normal on their own. Sometimes, the pre-cancer cells may turn into cancer if they are not found and treated.
Very few HPV infections lead to cervix cancer.

Who can get cervix cancer?

Because HPV is so common, any woman who has ever had sex can get cervix cancer. But, most women who get HPV do not get cervix cancer. Women who have their Pap tests as often as they should are least likely to get cervix cancer.
Some women have a greater chance of getting cervix cancer if they:

• Have HPV and it doesn’t go away
• Have HIV or AIDS
• Smoke

Women who do not have Pap tests at all or who do not have them as often as they should have the greatest chance of getting cervix cancer.

If I’m not having sex, do I still need to get a Pap test?

Yes. Women who were sexually active in the past can still get cervix cancer.

Who can get HPV?

Any man or woman who has ever had sex can get HPV. The virus is spread by sex.
Condoms do not completely protect you from HPV, but are very helpful in protecting you from other infections that can be spread through sex.

Are there any symptoms of HPV?

No. Most people will never know they have HPV. But if the HPV does not go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cervix cells. These changes usually show up on your Pap test.

Introduction to Cancer Biology

The Cancer Biology portion of the site contains  in-depth information about the structure and function of normal cells and cancer cells.  The changes that make normal cells turn into cancer cells are described.  Topics covered include:

Biological Building Blocks - Information on the molecules that are found in living things.  Includes proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.

Cell Structure - Discusses the functional parts of cells called organelles.  Organelles covered include the nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria and the cytoskeleton

Cell Division - Covers the control of normal cell division and the problems found in cancer cells.

Gene Function - Discusses the way genetic information is  used in cells.

Mutation -  Describes the types and causes of changes to genes (mutations) that can result in cancer.

Cancer Genes - Describes the types of genes (oncogenes and tumor suppressors) that are altered in cancer.  Some key examples are given for each type of gene

Cancer Formation - Includes details about the causes of cancer, including chemicals, radiation and viruses

Angiogenesis - Animations and text describe how tumors develop a blood supply.  Includes discussions of drugs that fight cancer by blocking the process.

Metastasis - The majority of cancer deaths are caused by spread of the disease from its orginal location. This section covers the 'how' and 'why' of cancer spread.  Also covered are attempts to interefere with the process in cancer patients.

Tumor-Host Interactions - There are many interactions between different cells in a tumor.  This section covers some of the key cell types and the ways that they influence the growth of a tumor.

The Immune System - The immune system is involved in guarding our bodies from internal and external threats, including cancer.  Because of the important role of immune cells in preventing and possibly contributing to cancer, as well as the use of immune cells and products in treating cancer, the subject is treated here in detail.

Cancer in Animals - Animals other than humans get cancer and this section examines a few types of cancer in domesticated and wild animals.

The cancer Genes - the DNA type

Cells can experience uncontrolled growth if there are damages or mutations to DNA, and therefore, damage to the genes involved in cell division. Four key types of gene are responsible for the cell division process: oncogenes tell cells when to divide, tumor suppressor genes tell cells when not to divide, suicide genes control apoptosis and tell the cell to kill itself if something goes wrong, and DNA-repair genes instruct a cell to repair damaged DNA.
Cancer occurs when a cell's gene mutations make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Similarly, cancer is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth

Carcinogens

Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.

Genes - the family type

Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.

Other medical factors

As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.

 

What is Cancer? What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:

1. a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
2. that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.

When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.
In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.

What causes cancer?

Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.

Pakistani stock market value surges by US $4 billionThe market capitalization of the Pakistani stock market has grown by about $4 billion since November thanks to several positive developments

The market capitalization of the Pakistani stock market has grown by about $4 billion since November thanks to several positive developments
In less than four months, the market capitalization of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has surged from US $34 billion in October, to US $38 billion as of January 12, said Ahmed Nabil, chief investment adviser of the Pak-Oman Asset Management Company.
“Foreign investors’ continued interest in making investment in Pakistani stock market, release of $633m worth coalition support fund by the United States, IMF’s decision to extend deadline of levying the Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) and impressive growth in remittances supported growth (of the) market and encouraged new investment,” Nabil said.
The market has recorded $70m in foreign investment since November that encouraged local investment at the bourse, improved its market capitalization and value of blue chip instruments, he said.
In Pakistan local investors usually follow foreign investment in the stock market, Nabil added.
The government has deferred the enforcement of the RGST after opposition parties came out strongly against it. But the tax will be enforced in July to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio, government revenues and to promote better documentation of sales and purchases, he said.
About 9% of Pakistan's GDP comes from tax revenues, well below the international standard of 15%. The IMF had sought to have Pakistan impose the RGST as of January 1, but has agreed to its postponement to July. Both the tax ratio and RGST are conditions for loans to Pakistan.

Dengue continues to take toll, 6 more die in Lahore

Dengue has not yet shown any decrease in its spread and has claimed six more lives in Lahore Monday, Geo News reported. The toll now stands at 182 in Lahore while 201 in Punjab.
According to health department, six patients lost their lives in Mayo Hospital today. The number of patients affected from Dengue in Lahore is 13,250 while in Punjab it has reached 15,310.
The health department said that fumigation is being done while awareness campaigns are also being organized.
Medical experts from Indonesia are training the doctors and paramedical staff regarding the treatment and control of the epidemic.

National U16 Hockey Championship begins today

Sports News / Hockey: The National Under-16 Hockey Championship will commence on Tuesday at Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium here. Three teams from Punjab, two each from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, and one each from Balochsitan, FATA and Islamabad will compete for the top honor.

Teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had not turned up so far, Organizing Secretary and Secretary Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Hockey Association Syed Zahir Shah told APP soon after attending a meeting of team managers, umpires and technical officials at the Qayyum Sports Complex

“We are happy to organize the event with the support and guidance of President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association Captain Tariq Hayat and Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Muhammad Saeed Khan,”Zahir Shah added.

It may be mentioned that the championship was scheduled to be held on October 1 in Lahore but due to dengue virus it was shifted to Peshawar.

He said that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has nominated former international hockey player Rana Liaqat as Tournament Director and international technical officials Faiz Muhammad Faizi as umpire manager for theChampionship.

A total of 10 umpires also nominated by PHF out of eight have so far reported.

He also appreciated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah for supporting the association as far as preparation at ground is concerned besides order of displaying banners and bill boards welcoming the team.

He said  they have given final touches and all available resources would be utilized to facilitate the players and officials.

He said different committees would be constituted for the smooth sailing of the Championship. He said foolproof security measures have been taken in and around the Stadium. Zahir Shah said that a total of four matches would be played  daily with all the teams have been divided into two groups – six teams in each group.

In group-A comprising Punjab-A, Sindh-B, KP-B, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab-C
and Balochistan while in group-B team including Islamabad, Sindh-A, Punjab-B, AJK, KP-A and FATA. Only slide changes would be made if Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad  Jammu and Kashmir not turn-up in-time by Tuesday morning.

Matches Schedule:
The first match between Punjab-B vs Sindh-A will be played at 9.00 a.m, followed by Punjab-A and Punjab-C at 11.00 a.m, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-B will face Balochistan at 1.00 p.m and Islamabad to clash against KP-A at 3.00 p.m.

Bodyguard broken all previous records

 

Aamir Khan also told the reporters that Salman Khan prove his self in box office that he is number one actor.

Salman and Kareena’s movie bodyguard make a new record now his film is ahead of 3 Idiots and My Name is Khan.

Aamir said “I had a word with him and his health is much better now. I had given the news of massive opening of Rs 21 crore.

I had sent a text to Alvira and asked her to pass the message to Salman after the surgery. I wanted to be the first one to give him the good news,” Aamir said

“I would love to work with Salman… we have a good alteration and it will be fun working together. But till we get a good script or something that stimulate us we will not come together for a film,” Aamir said.

Prime Minister Gilani addresses in Quetta

Choose the path of peace, as this is the only way for the progress of people of Balochistan and Pakistan,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the passing out parade of the recruits of the Pakistan Army belonging to Balochistan.

“The agenda of these terrorists and extremists is certainly against Pakistan,” Gilani said and urged them to shun this path.

The Prime Minister said those who opt not to heed to this advice must understand that they might delay progress and prosperity of the people of Balochsitan, but they cannot deprive the people from the pace of development for long.

The event was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and senior civil and military officials.

Prime Minister earlier reviewed the guard of honor. The young recruits presented him salute and the national anthem was played.

The recruits also exhibited their prowess in anti-terrorist skills and demonstrated ways to neutralize militants.

In his address to the recruits, Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan was passing through a critical juncture and regretted that some people had chosen the path of terrorism, which was bringing a bad name to the country and to the religion Islam.

Prime Minister Gilani paid rich tributes to the country’s armed forces for their sacrifices to rid the country of the scourge of terrorism.

He said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan stand united to eliminate extremism and terrorism and to bring prosperity and development to the country.

The Prime Minister also lauded the Baloch youth for standing shoulder to shoulder with their brethren from the rest of the country to safeguard country’s sovereignty and integrity.

He said the government had planned to provide jobs to 20,000 youth from Balochistan and appreciated General Kayani and Commander of the Southern Command Lt General Javed Zia for ensuring best possible training to bring the youth from the area into the national mainstream.

He said measures were afoot to provide natural gas in areas of Sui, Pir Koh and Looti. He said the federal government would also provide 30 per cent of its shares from its 50 per cent of the Saindak Project to the Balochistan government.

Spot-fixing' agent had been working on Pakistan matches for years

Mazhar Majeed, the player agent at the centre of the cricket "spot-fixing" trial, claimed in undercover recordings played to the court on Monday that he had been arranging fixed events at Pakistan's cricket matches for years.

"These guys wouldn't deal with anyone," said Majeed. "The only reason they deal with me is because they know my background. I've been dealing with them, the Pakistan team, for about two and a half years and we've made massive amounts of money. I deal with an Indian party and they pay me."

.

Majeed, who has been charged with cheating at gambling and accepting corrupt payments, is not currently in the dock, but his conversations with an undercover journalist are being used in evidence in the trial of Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

The pair have been charged with the same offences, and deny any wrongdoing. The journalist Mazhar Mahmood, then of the News of the World, was posing as an Indian businessman working for a private equity firm that intended to set up a cricket tournament in the Middle East involving Pakistan players. The journalist explained that one of his fellow consortium members was a "guy from Singapore" who had "no interest" in cricket but wanted "two or three [players] up for the other side, the betting side".

"There's more than two or three," said Majeed. "It's already set, it's already there." Majeed claimed that fixing was a "centuries" old practice and raised the names of Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as two who had previously been involved. Majeed explained the "brackets" system, whereby for betting purposes a match is divided into sections in which events can be analysed and bet upon. He said that Asif would signal the opening of a prearranged segment by bowling a dead ball.

"Asif will indicate by bowling a dead ball in that over and then we know the market opens at 10 overs," Majeed said. "Let's say it's 33 runs [that the market anticipates will be scored during the 10-over 'bracket']. At the sixth over, when he does a dead ball, they know that the eighth, ninth and 10th overs are going to go for more runs. Because they've kept the score down at the start but in the last three overs they let it all go and you make a killing. That's brackets."

However, Majeed said that this manipulation of events did not at that time extend to fixing results. "For brackets we charge anything from £50,000 to £80,000," said Majeed. "For results, Twenty20 is about £400,000. A Test match, depending on the duration, is £1m. We won't be doing any results for a few games because we want Butt to be captain long term. No‑balls are not a problem because you can't make much money from that."

The alleged conversation took place at a meeting at Bombay Brasserie in London on 18 August last year where Majeed had been pleading his players' poverty. "How much Pakistan players are being paid is a joke," he said, stressing that their attendance at the proposed tournament could be bought "very cheaply; as long as they have the opportunity to make money – match-winnings as well".

"You'll get them," he said. "£50,000 they get paid the whole season, £60,000, £100,000 sometimes. They're broke. All the players, they are very, very loyal with us."

Majeed also claimed he had previously worked for Arsenal. "My background is football," Majeed claimed. "I have set up academies all around the world. I've worked for Arsenal Football Club. I've done this sort of thing all the time. I've done it for Arsenal."

The case continues.

Dengue fever and your eyes

Currently, the Dengue Fever which is an endemic affliction of the tropical areas is very much rampant in various parts of the country, causing a great concern to our people. The disease can cause eye complications with symptoms of mild to serious threatening of vision in 10% of the sero-positive patients during hospitalization. Dengue fever is caused by ARBOVIRUS, which has predilection for small blood vessels in the body and Central Nervous System. It is an immune-mediated disorder rather than a direct viral infection. During hospitalization patient may complain of gross visual disturbances in one or both eyes. He may suffer permanent loss of vision if not treated well in time.

A detailed study has been reported by two main hospitals from Singapore and accordingly the usual complications of Dengue Fever are Optic Neuritis and Dengue Neuropathy mainly involving the Optic Nerve and Macula – the most sensitive part of the retina ( the visual membrane) with maximum vision. The treating physicians are strongly advised if they find the signs of the above-said afflictions should be treated with a course of IV Methylprednisolone (starting with 1G daily for 3 days), to be repeated if necessary after consulting the senior Eye Specialist of the hospital. Though the complications are uncommon yet very serious as these have far reaching economic consequences for the society. Therefore, the patient in general and the treating physician in particular must keep in mind the possible complication while evaluating the patient. In fact, a routine examination should be carried out if the patient complains of slightest visual disturbance.

Dengue goes out, may revisit in 2012

THE deadly dengue virus, which created scare among the masses in Punjab in general and Lahore in particular appears to be subsiding and with winter season approaching, it would die its natural death. According to reports, Sunday was the happier day for the people of Lahore when no patient lost his/her life against the deadly virus but it is natural that there may still be some deaths as thousands of people are still admitted in hospitals.

Dengue fever, also known as break bone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles. In a small proportion of cases the disease develops into the life threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage where dangerously low blood pressure occurs. Though according to medical experts, it is a curable disease, yet it led to sounding of alarm bells in Lahore where it affected about 500 people daily and claimed nine to ten lives in a day. What was more worrisome that thousands of people, suffering from normal fever, lined up at hospitals for tests and that put additional burden on the doctors and paramedical staff. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took personal interest by visiting hospitals and holding daily meetings to control the disease. Awareness campaign was also launched and the latest law “Punjab prevention and control of Dengue Regulations, 2011” is a welcome step. Though mosquitoes die during winter and one expects that the virus would be over next month, yet we should not forget that the Dengue has gone but may revisit in 2012 and to prevent that we may prepare a strategy in advance. Since there is no vaccine, the only method of controlling or preventing dengue virus transmission is to combat the vector mosquitoes.

Dengue returns with vengeance in lahore

After a lean day on Sunday, the ruthless dengue virus took lives of seven more persons on Monday. The new victims included four women. 

The deadly virus has forced hundreds of more in the City to rush to public sector and private hospitals for preliminary tests. As many as 237 new persons were also confirmed to have been suffering from dengue. The overall tally of the affected persons stands at 25,444. 

Muhammad Nasir (40), a resident of Narowal, Zarina Bibi (50) of Farooq Gunj, Amina Rasheed (30) of Band Road, Husan Pari (70) of Kot Khawaja Saeed and Shahnaz (50) of Band Road breathed their last at Mayo Hospital. Rafiq Akbar (60) and Khushi Muhammad (80) of Baghbanpura lost their lives at Jinnah Hospital. 

Out of the 237 new cases, 48 people were tested positive at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, 32 at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, 31 at Jinnah Hospital, 28 at Mayo Hospital, 21 at Lahore General Hospital, 19 at Children’s Hospital, 14 each at Services Hospital and Institute of Public Health while remaining cases were reported from other public sector hospitals and private healthcare centres in the City. 

According to the Punjab Health Department, as many as 198 new cases have been reported from across the province and out of these 150 were from Lahore. As such number of affected people has reached to 15433 of which 13297 relate to Lahore. So far 15226 patients have been recovered and discharged from the various hospitals of Punjab including 13142 from Lahore. Now 1500 patients are under treatment at various hospitals of Punjab including 1207 in Lahore. Seven patients die on Monday and as such death toll has risen to 202, of which 181 from Lahore.

Briefing to the newsmen regarding dengue situation at King Edward Medical University on Monday, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Arif Nadeem said that it has been noticed through the analysis for the last three weeks that dengue virus has started decreasing gradually and 24 percent decrease has been recorded in the province. Vice Chancellor KEMU Prof Asad Aslam Khan, Director Health Information Management System Dr Anwar Janjua and other officers were present in the meeting. 

Secretary Agriculture said that the production of larva has decreased considerably in the city. After continuous larviciding at 400 breeding sites, little quality of larva was found at 17 places. He said that the experts of agriculture and health departments were continuously monitoring the insects and strict vigilance of tyre shops, nurseries and other hot spots was being made. He said that the implementation of unanimous guideline formulated by senior consultants of health department for treatment of dengue patients in the light of the recommendations of Sri Lankan and Indonesian medical experts was being ensured that has shown good results. 

He said that letters containing unanimous guideline prepared by Prof Faisal Masood for dengue patients have also been sent to all divisional commissioners so that this virus could also be controlled in other districts. 

Shahid Afridi cleared to play for Hampshire by PCB

Afridi, 31, was set to make his debut for Hampshire in their FL t20 opener against Somerset earlier this month.

But the PCB suspended Afridi following his criticism of the board and the England and Wales Cricket Board then removed his Hampshire registration.

He was also fined 4.5 million rupees (£62,000) by the PCB.

The former Pakistan captain pleaded guilty to a charge of violating the board's code of conduct.

Afridi held a meeting with the PCB on Tuesday and then withdrew a petition he filed against the board in the Sindh High Court on Wednesday, opening the way for his NOC to be reinstated.

His representative Umran Khan had told BBC Radio Solent he was confident that Afridi, who was also poised to play Twenty20 cricket for Hampshire last summer but opted to lead Pakistan in the Test series against Australia instead, would soon be turning out in the county's colours.

"Shahid will be able to play for Hampshire next week," Khan said on Tuesday.

"The meeting between Shahid and Ijaz Butt [PCB chairman] went very well and both parties have come to an amicable agreement.

"I spoke to Giles White [Hampshire manager] and they're very pleased that it's all sorted.

"Shahid is very excited to finally be linking up with Hampshire and get back to doing what he loves, which is playing cricket."

No vaccine exists for dengue fever

Principal Post Graduate Medical Institute Prof Tariq Salahuddin has said that the vaccine for dengue virus has not been invented in the world and preventive measures should be adopted for safety from this disease.

Briefing the newsmen on Sunday about the healthcare facilities provided at the Lahore General Hospital, he said that despite the fact that dengue was new disease the doctors, nurses, social organisations, media and all the departments have done excellent work and all the stakeholders deserve praise over their role in fighting against dengue.

Tariq Salahuddin said 262,950 people visited the LGH from September 1 to 8 and 168,686 out of them suspected dengue patients. He said that free CBC of 188,725 patients was conducted and out of them 5,325 were admitted and treated, adding that 5,024 patients were discharged after recovery and only 263 are under treatment at present. He said to confirm the dengue virus, elisa tests of 1,800 patients were conducted. Due to the extraordinary care of patients by the doctors and nurses, only 0.76 per cent death rate was found, he added. He said that with the consultation of Sri Lankan and Indonesian experts and senior faculty members of the hospital, the administration prepared a strategy for the next year to deal with dengue. He said that Sri Lankan and Indonesian teams termed the facilities for the treatment of dengue fever high standard especially the high dependency ICU for the patients of dengue. He said that more than 400 beds were specified for the dengue patients and classes of nurses and dispensers were suspended and they were deputed on the duty to take care the dengue patients. He said all the resources had been utilised for the 
treatment of dengue patients and steps of the Punjab health department caused decrease in the rush of the patients that would further reduce in coming days when the temperature come down. 

Meanwhile, Gulberg Town Emergency Response Committee Acting Chairman MPA Mian Mohsin Latif has said that vast areas of Pakistan Railways are breeding places of dengue mosquito which can only be eliminated through a comprehensive programme for which 100 percent cooperation of people is required. These views were expressed by him while inspecting the breeding places of mosquito at Pakistan Railway Diesel Shed and Achantgarh Mughalpura in connection with dengue awareness campaign here on Sunday. 

MPA Nighat Sheikh, Member Chief Minister’s Inspection Team Tahir Yousaf, former councilor Malik Imran and officers and staff of WASA, Solid Waste Management and Gulberg Town administration accompanied him.

Latif said that manhole, sewerage lines, water in open vessels, garbage and debris are breeding places of mosquito. He said that awareness should be created among the people regarding elimination of mosquitoes from these places. Otherwise, in case of negligence from this menace, the entire nation will have to fight against dengue virus for many years. He said that government was making efforts round the clock for the eradication of dengue and in order to get rid of this menace, people will have to take effective measures in this regard. He said that Gulberg Town administration besides distributing pamphlets for awareness against dengue among public is also removing filth and drying the stagnant water. 

Meanwhile, Nishter Town Dengue Control Committee Chairman MNA Naseer Bhutta has said that on the directions of Chief Minister, elected representative have created awareness about dengue virus among the masses and we will overcome this fatal disease soon. 

However, he said that every member of the society has to play its due role to eliminate dengue virus as the Punjab government is utilising its all resources for this purpose. He said that Chief Minister’s Qadam Barho, Dengue Mukao campaign was achieving success with the cooperation of students, youth, party workers and common citizens and the campaign was continued. He asked the people to use full sleeve shirts and change their life style to avoid dengue fever.