Dengue virus turns into epidemic in Rawalpindi

Dengue fever has surged to alarming levels in Rawalpindi and Cantonment areas with more than 485 patients affected, overwhelming local healthcare resources.

Despite efforts from an expert team from Lahore, the vector-borne disease continues to spread unabated. To combat this growing crisis, the administration has issued an alert to safeguard children from dengue fever, mandating the use of full-sleeved shirts in educational institutions.

In the past 24 hours alone, 47 new cases have been confirmed, with 23 additional test results pending. All 47 people who turned to the hospitals during the past 24 hours had high fever. Eleven critical patients are currently receiving treatment in the High Dependency Unit.

Delving into the details, District Coordinator Epidemics Prevention and Control (DCEPC) Dr Sajjad Mehmood said: “Among the new cases, 17 patients had arrived from the Potohar town urban area, nine from the Municipal Corporation, four from Chaklala cantonment, and three from the Taxila cantonment area.” He added that September was critical for dengue spread and urged the residents to adopt precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.

The health department had initially aimed to confine dengue mosquitoes to hotspot areas to protect citizens, but the situation has spiralled out of control.

Experts expressed their concern over the escalating patient numbers and limited resources available to the district administration. “Allied hospitals are under immense pressure due to the surge in cases,” they said.

Intensified efforts

In response, the administration plans to intensify efforts to curb dengue mosquito breeding and movement. These measures include fogging and awareness campaigns, especially among schoolchildren, who are advised to wear full shalwar kameez instead of knickers and half-sleeve shirts. The health department teams will visit schools to educate teachers and students about dengue prevention.

The district administration emphasises close coordination between the health department and allied hospitals, with 419 patients already recovered due to improved strategies.

Cases registered

Moreover, the District Health Authority (DHA) lodged 59 FIRs and sealed 10 premises for violations of anti-dengue SOPs during the last 24 hours. The city has identified 25 areas as high-risk zones for dengue, heightening the level of concern.

DCEPC Dr Sajjad Mehmood said the health department, in collaboration with allied departments, has issued tickets to 15 individuals.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th, 2023.