ISLAMABAD — Rawalpindi is grappling with a severe dengue outbreak,
which has resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals thus far. In the last 24 hours alone, 120 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of patients receiving treatment in local hospitals to 260. Potohar Town continues to be a significant hotspot for the virus, despite intensified control measures by local authorities.
Currently, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital is treating 86 dengue patients, Holy Family Hospital has 56, District Headquarters Hospital is handling 42, Fuji Foundation Hospital has 26, and 50 patients are spread across various other medical facilities. Since the outbreak began, Rawalpindi has recorded a total of 5,058 confirmed cases.
In the last day, Potohar Town reported 52 new infections, followed by 19 from within the Municipal Corporation limits, 27 from Rawalpindi Cantonment, two from Potohar Rural, seven from Chaklala Cantt, two from Taxila, and one each from Gujar Khan and Kallar Syedan. Authorities have taken strict action against violations of dengue prevention protocols, filing 5,256 FIRs, sealing 1,815 buildings, and issuing 3,300 challans, imposing fines totaling Rs20.15 million.
As the situation worsens, the District Health Authority has released a new 10-day advisory, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preventative measures. Anti-dengue indoor residual spraying (IRS) has been ramped up, as warm weather continues to sustain the mosquito population. Residents are urged to use mosquito repellents indoors and exercise caution during peak mosquito activity periods, notably in the early morning and evening. Health officials caution that dengue mosquitoes are now breeding in domestic water sources, complicating containment efforts.
District Health Authority CEO Dr. Asif Arbab Niazi highlighted that high temperatures are contributing to ongoing dengue activity. “The average number of new cases per day remains between 100 and 150,” he noted. “A significant drop in temperature will help decrease the mosquito population, but until then, precautions are crucial.” Dr. Niazi urged residents to use mosquito repellents, wear long sleeves, and remain particularly cautious during high-risk periods to minimize exposure.
