Punjab dengue caseload up by 203

Punjab remains in the grip of a dengue fever outbreak as 203 new cases were reported on Friday.

The latest data from the health department revealed a total of 8,726 confirmed dengue cases across 36 districts in Punjab this year.

Lahore leads with a staggering 3,639 cases, followed closely by Rawalpindi with 2,183, Multan with 898, Faisalabad with 396, and Gujranwala with 671 cases.

The situation remains concerning, as Lahore reported 89 new cases, Rawalpindi 30, Multan 25, Gujranwala 32, Faisalabad 12, Kasur 4, Sheikhupura and Hafizabad each recorded two new cases, whereas Attock, Khanewal, Chakwal, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Toba Tek Singh and Layyah each reported one case of dengue during the last 24 hours.

Currently, 169 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals across Punjab, with 74 of them in hospitals within the Lahore district.

Punjab Health Secretary Ali Jaan Khan issued a compelling plea for citizens to maintain clean and dry surroundings as a preventive measure against Dengue fever.

He urged cooperation with health department teams who are tirelessly working to combat this outbreak.

For those in need of 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 28^th, 2023..