The number of patients infected with the dengue virus in Karachi is on the rise and the total is now at 289 cases, since two new dengue cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Sindh Spokesman on Dengue and Deputy Secretary Health Dr Shakil Malik told Daily Times Wednesday that there are 25 dengue patients admitted at various public health facilities in Karachi, including 11 at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, two at Civil Hospital Karachi and two at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. The City District Government Karachi municipal services department has actively pushed the anti-mosquito fumigation campaign, covering around 70 percent of the city's area. It is the citizen's individual responsibility to adopt the essential preventive measures at home and to fumigate the remaining 30 percent of the city's area, which is indoor, he said. New dengue cases emerge almost every day from infection caused by mosquitoes breeding in closed rooms and no authority can make indoor areas free from any disease-causing elements unless the residents themselves take action, he clarified. Stagnant water is a major causative factor of malaria and dengue fever, especially water from air-conditioning devices. People normally overlook the proper management of water dripping from air conditioners, which remains stagnant for several days. It then becomes a breeding place for mosquitoes and this should not be allowed to happen, he urged. Dengue is a dangerous disease and only preventive measures can provide protection against mosquito-bites. People should use mosquito repellants or mosquito coils at night, advised Malik. Various patients reported very late to major hospitals and some precious lives were lost. Family doctors should take special care of patients with high-grade fever and people should report immediately to hospital rather than staying at home with bleeding or fever, noted Malik.