As heavy rains and monsoon resulted in fears of a dengue outbreak, 32 new cases were reported on Friday including four cases in areas that had been cleared as part of the district health authority’s (DHA) anti-dengue drive in Rawalpindi.
After the area was declared dengue-free, four new dengue patients were reported in a third-party survey.
Taking strict notice of the negligence, the DHA has dismissed 32 sanitary workers responsible for dengue prevention. These workers include are 15 women and 17 men. The authoritiy has also issued an order for recruiting new workers on daily wages as replacements for the the next three months.
The dismissed workers were previously assigned to Union Council (UC) 45 and its surrounding areas. Due to their absence from duty, their wages had been withheld.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema has ordered a third-party survey and inspection for the entire district.
The DC emphasised the need to conduct inspections for dengue cases and larvae at every house. He added that cases would be filed against families who refuse such inspections. The official also issued instructions for anti-dengue sprays in areas where water had accumulated.
Furthermore, the DC instructed the municipal corporation and district council administration to promptly clear vegetation – including cannabis plants – that have grown up to five feet due to the monsoon.
The problem was said to be acute in the 56 graveyards across the garrison city.
Larvae infestation
The rains have resulted in an increase in dengue larvae, with heavy infestations being discovered at 84 different locations in Rawalpindi across the last 48 hours. The rains have caused some dengue workers to be absent from their duties, which has exacerbated the problem.
The health department has cancelled the leave of dengue workers for the next three months. It has declared the period from August 1 to October 31 as peak dengue season. Those workers who stay absent from work in this period would have their salaries deducted and they would also face departmental action, it said.
The health department added that it had conducted a survey and identified the border areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad as hotbeds of dengue larvae and dengue mosquitoes. These areas include IJ Principal Road, Islamabad Expressway, Seham, Tarnool, Jhangi, Rawat, and Nullah Korung.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2023.
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