Rawalpindi wakes up to dengue threat

Medical experts warn of heightened risk during the dry season

RAWALPINDI:

Before the onset of the dengue season, the emergence of four dengue patients in Rawalpindi sparked concerns within the local administration and health department.

In response, prompt action has been taken on an emergency basis, with a widespread dengue prevention campaign initiated across the division. This campaign, slated to continue with vigour throughout the holy month of Ramazan, has also introduced a new dengue eradication plan. Under this plan, Rawalpindi district has been divided into seven sectors, five towns, and 33 cluster centres, each with designated teams for immediate action.

According to sources, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner, Aamir Khattak, has reaffirmed the commitment to combat dengue through proactive measures, declaring a hands-on approach to tackle the situation before it escalates.

Meanwhile, medical experts have raised alarms about the increased risk of dengue spread during this dry season following the rains, terming it an ideal breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. Consequently, special dengue wards are being established in hospitals for the upcoming holy month. Moreover, leaves of all dengue workers across the district have been cancelled and an additional 2,700 dengue patrol workers will be recruited.

Sources said upon the identification of four dengue cases in Rawalpindi, the commissioner promptly called for an emergency dengue prevention meeting. Attended by Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, Additional Commissioner (Coordination), the Chief Executive Officer of Health, and heads of relevant government departments, the meeting addressed the gravity of the situation.

Health department officials briefed the attendees, highlighting that since January 1, Rawalpindi district has recorded four confirmed cases of dengue, a matter of extreme concern.

The commissioner emphasised stringent action against those violating SOPs, cautioning that negligence by any individual poses a risk to all. Health representatives disclosed that from January 1 until now, 14 FIRs and 32 challans have been registered while seven buildings have been sealed and fines totalling Rs15,000 have been imposed across the district for dengue SOP violations.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2024.