Dengue refuses to ebb despite winter onset

204 new cases reported, 94 confirmed in Lahore

LAHORE:

As many as 204 new cases of dengue were reported across Punjab on Sunday. According to the latest data from the Health Department, a total of 7,827 dengue cases were reported across 36 districts of the province this year. Leading the unfortunate tally is Lahore, reporting a staggering 3,212 cases, followed closely by Rawalpindi with 2,055, Multan with 814, Faisalabad with 335 and Gujranwala with 548 cases.

During the past 24 hours, Lahore reported an additional 94 new cases, Rawalpindi with 42, Multan with 15, Gujranwala with 25, Faisalabad with 9, while Sheikhupura and Rahim Yar Khan each recorded 4 new cases. Kasur, Khanewal and Vehari reported 2 cases each and Chakwal, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Lodharan, Rajanpur and Bhakkar reported one case each.

Currently, 144 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across Punjab, with 68 of them in hospitals in Lahore. Punjab Health Secretary Ali Jaan Khan urged citizens to maintain clean and dry surroundings as a preventive measure against dengue. He further requested cooperation with health department teams, who are working tirelessly to combat the outbreak.

For those seeking dengue treatment, information, or wishing to register complaints, a free helpline is available through the health department at 1033.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2023.