Health dept scrambles to curb dengue spread

Number of identified cases in Rawalpindi rise to 67

RAWALPINDI:

The number of dengue cases reported in the Rawalpindi district rose to 67 dengue as the health department intensified legal action against entities and establishments found in violation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid dengue larvae infestation and breeding.

In the current dengue season, which starts post-monsoon with maximum cases reported during September to December, the district health department has imposed fines to the tune of Rs1,681,000 so far, according to a source. On Friday alone, the department issued fines of Rs133,000, they said.

At least 970 cases have been registered with 41 first information reports (FIR) registered on August 11.

According to information, 211 buildings have been sealed to date after dengue larvae were found on the premises despite earlier warnings. On August 11, the department sealed seven buildings. The department has issued a total of 409 challans this seaon, with 12 of those issued on Friday, the sources said.

Sources within the department said that two new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. Of the 20 patients currently under treatment for dengue, ten were dengue positive, they said.

The health department was mapping areas from where dengue cases were originating in order to increase sprays and anti-dengue measures at such sites.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2023.