Authorities ramp up dengue larvae detection efforts

Authorities have intensified both indoor and outdoor surveillance efforts to detect dengue larvae as part of their anti-dengue campaign.

To date, four cases of dengue-positive individuals have been officially recorded. To bolster the campaign’s effectiveness, authorities have expedited the sealing of properties, issuance of challans, and imposition of fines upon the rediscovery of dengue larvae.

Since the start of the dengue season on March 15th, and throughout the ongoing anti-dengue campaign, the Rawalpindi district has reported four cases of dengue-positive patients. Fortunately, no cases have been reported in Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum.

As part of the drive, teams have visited 974,972 households, leading to the detection of dengue larvae in 1,268 houses. Similarly, 250,611 outdoor locations were inspected, with 182 spots found to be dengue-positive. Currently, 32 FIRs have been lodged, 28 properties sealed, 70 fined, amounting to Rs102,000.

District Health Authority (DHA), Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ijaz Ahmed, emphasised the campaign’s meticulous supervision at both tehsil and district levels. Immediate action is taken in case of negligence. Dr Ahmed underscored the crucial role of citizens in preventing dengue by eradicating larvae breeding sites in their homes. He reaffirmed the intensified indoor and outdoor dengue surveillance efforts.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2024.