Anti-dengue drive struggles to curb surge in cases

Despite concerted efforts by the District Health Authority (DHA) and other government departments, the anti-dengue campaign has not achieved the desired results, leading to a significant rise in dengue cases across the district. Regular meetings and monitoring of government offices have proven insufficient to control the spread of the disease.

This season, the district has seen a dramatic increase in dengue cases, with the total count reaching 7,140. In the last 24 hours alone, 244 new dengue cases were reported, with 17 admitted to hospitals. Currently, 108 beds have been allocated for dengue cases in various hospitals. Out of the 244 patients reported, 50 were confirmed to have dengue, but only five were hospitalised. Meanwhile, 45 patients who had been undergoing treatment were discharged after making a full recovery.

In an effort to revitalise the campaign, the adviser to the chief minister on dengue has issued new guidelines aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the anti-dengue measures. The updated strategy includes leveraging schoolchildren to spread awareness messages to their homes and conducting daily visits to areas where dengue larvae have been detected.

During a dengue review meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office, chaired by the ADC headquarters, it was revealed that Dr Waseem Akram, Adviser on Dengue to the Chief Minister of Punjab, had issued these new guidelines upon his arrival in Rawalpindi.