Rising dengue caseloadbaffles officials

Rawalpindi reports 44 new cases of vector-borne disease in 24 hours

RAWALPINDI:

The dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi is intensifying, with a significant surge in cases reported in the Potohar Town area, particularly in Chak Jalal Din.

A mobile health unit has been dispatched to the area, where 226 patients have tested positive for dengue fever. Over the past 24 hours, the district has recorded 44 new dengue cases.

Despite ongoing efforts through the anti-dengue campaign, the spread of dengue mosquitoes appears to be getting out of control. The number of confirmed dengue patients being treated in city hospitals has risen to 96, while the total number of cases reported in the district has reached 543.

In the past 20 hours, Potohar Town alone accounted for 25 new cases. Additionally, five cases were reported from municipal corporation areas, five from Rawalpindi Cantonment, three from Chaklala, and two from the rural areas of Potohar.

This season, two cases of Congo fever and 651 cases of malaria have been reported, though no cases of monkeypox have been detected.

At Chak Jalal Din, where the mobile health unit is active, 71 patients were examined. Among them, 67 underwent CBC tests, two had FT tests, three received RFTs, and 14 were tested for blood sugar levels.

This year, authorities have registered 2,826 FIRs against individuals and businesses where dengue larvae were found. Around 808 buildings have been sealed, 2,226 challans issued, and fines totalling Rs14.49 million have been imposed for repeated violations.

Dr Asif Arbab Niazi, Chief Executive of the District Health Authority, emphasised that their response to the outbreak has been thorough. He urged citizens to continue taking precautions until October 15, advising against the accumulation of stagnant water, keeping windows and doors closed in the evening, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and using mosquito repellent.