Twin cities coordinate plan against dengue

Rising cases alarm administrations, require utilisation of all resources

ISLAMABAD:

The district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have decided to take coordinated prevention and enforcement measures to tackle the dengue outbreak amid the alarming rise in dengue cases.

A joint meeting of officials from both administrations outlined the next steps in controlling the spread of dengue. The meeting co-chaired by the commissioners of both cities, with the deputy commissioners also present, was aimed at discussing strategies to curb the dengue outbreak. The numbers, so far, are concerning with 537 dengue cases have been reported in Rawalpindi and 389 cases reported in Islamabad.

In the capital alone, 41 patients have been admitted to various hospitals. The data also revealed that most of the cases, 74 per cent, occurred among men, while 26 per cent of the affected were women. The majority of the affected persons were between the ages of 20 to 39.

In the last 24 hours alone, 73 cases of dengue have emerged in Rawalpindi, bringing the total number of dengue patients receiving treatment in allied hospitals to 119. The total number of confirmed dengue cases this season has reached 672.

The Potohar Town area continues to be a hotspot despite the anti-dengue efforts and other special measures by the district administration. In the last 24 hours, 39 patients were reported from Potohar Town, and nine patients from the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation limits. Additionally, 12 patients were reported from the Rawalpindi Cantonment area, two from Chaklala Cantt, one patient each from Gujar Khan, Taxila, Murree and Kallar Syedan, while two patients were reported from Kahuta.

According to the health department, a total of 2,929 FIRs have been registered against citizens for violating SOPs related to dengue larvae this year. Over the past week, 1,646 positive larvae cases were found across both cities. Furthermore, 1,113 buildings have been sealed due to the presence of dengue larvae, and 2,279 fines have been issued. Despite warnings to the public during previous actions, fines of over Rs15.1 million have been imposed due to the recurring presence of dengue larvae.

Preventive measures

During the meeting, a briefing was given on the ongoing anti-dengue operations, especially at the borders between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Joint efforts have identified several larvae breeding grounds that the authorities are targeting for further action.

The administration stressed the need to use all available resources to prevent the growth of dengue larvae. Officials also highlighted the importance of launching a public awareness campaign to inform citizens about dengue prevention and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) they should follow.

In the fight against dengue, the authorities are not only focusing on prevention but also enforcement. Three persons were arrested in the Industrial Area of Islamabad for failing to comply with anti-dengue SOPs. This action was taken under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner, particularly in Sectors G-8 and G-9.