11 test positive for dengue in Pindi

Officials hold pre-monsoon rains responsible for surge of dengue larvae

RAWALPINDI:

The number of patients diagnosed with dengue virus has risen to 11, while 41 are on the list of suspected victims in Rawalpindi.

Sources belonging to the health department have declared the pre-monsoon rains the reason for the surge in dengue larvae, as damp and wet weather is one of the favourable factors that lead to increased breeding of the organism. The results of a survey indicate that so far, dengue larvae have been detected in 874 outdoor spots and 8,389 households.

The Rawalpindi Cantonment currently leads the list with 2,646 houses affected, followed by Rawal Town (2,518), Potohar Town (2,021), Chaklala Cantonment (423), Taxila Cantonment (326) and Gujar Khan (244).

With dengue larvae being discovered in large numbers, 80 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, 117 spots have been sealed, 412 challans have been issued, 2, 015 notices have been circulated and fines amounting to Rs382,500 have been imposed.

The District Health Authority has increased its surveillance, with focal person Dr Waqar terming the pre-monsoon rains an ideal situation for dengue larvae to breed. Citizens also have a responsibility to prevent the spread of dengue and ensure that the disease does not become a major threat, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2022.