'Dengue threat to persist till winter sets in'

District Health Authority CEO Dr Asif Arbab Niazi has said that the dengue threat would persist until cooler weather sets in and advised citizens to remain cautious, wear full-sleeved clothing, and use indoor sprays to prevent mosquito bites.

Despite ongoing anti-dengue efforts, the mosquito population remains uncontrolled, with five lives lost to dengue. In the last 24 hours, 110 new cases have been confirmed, raising the total number of hospitalised dengue patients to 185.

The Department of Health reports that the total number of confirmed cases has surged to 960. Among the victims was a 45-year-old woman who passed away at Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

Dengue cases are concentrated in areas like Potohar Town, the Municipal Corporation, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Chaklala Cantonment, and Kallar Syedan. Despite repeated warnings, fines amounting to Rs16.2 million have been imposed on locations where dengue larvae were found.

The anti-dengue campaign has become the city's top priority, with active participation from the commissioner, deputy commissioner, health department, and other civic bodies.

Several Punjab government ministers and the provincial secretary have visited Rawalpindi to review the campaign.