KOHAT: Four persons from Lachi tehsil here were on Monday diagnosed with dengue fever, health officials said.

They said one patient had already been referred to Islamabad and another would be sent today (Tuesday) as their condition was deteriorating, adding condition of the remaining two was improving fast.

Dr Sameen Jan, MS of KDA hospital, where a special ward has been created for the dengue patients, said the patients admitted to the hospital were Himmat Shah, Mohammad Ehtesham, Naeem Dad (referred to Islamabad) and Aamir Gul. He said another suspected dengue patient, Mohammad Aamir of Garhi Resaldar area of Kohat city, had also been hospitalised.

Sameen Jan said all the four cases were from Lachi Bala and Lachi Payan areas, while Mohammad Aamir was believed to have contracted the disease during his stay in Bannu and Rawalpindi. He said laboratory test results of four others, including a 22-yearold woman, Lubna, were awaited.

Meanwhile, a health team headed by DHO Dr Abdul Khaliq visited Lachi on Monday and organised a workshop to create awareness about dengue among the local people.-Correspondent