No let-up in dengue cases in Rawalpindi

Potohar Town reports 85 new cases in 24 hours

RAWALPINDI:

The dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi, particularly in Potohar town, shows no signs of decline as health authorities report five recent fatalities and a total of 85 new positive cases in the last 24 hours.

This brings the season's total confirmed cases to 1,111, with the current hospitalisation count at 173.

Hospitals in the area are experiencing a continuous influx of dengue patients, prompting health officials to recommend that those infected prioritise rest and stay hydrated. Most patients are advised to recover at home, closely following medical guidance to manage their symptoms.

The breakdown of the new cases reveals that 42 patients are from Potohar town, 13 from municipal corporation limits, 19 from Rawalpindi Cantonment Area, and others from surrounding areas. The health department is taking significant measures against those violating standard operating procedures to curb the outbreak, having registered 3,398 FIRs and sealing 1,390 buildings found with dengue larvae. Offenders have faced fines exceeding Rs16.736 million.

An official said District Health Authority CEO Dr Asif Arbab Niazi is overseeing the anti-dengue campaign, providing daily updates to health officials. "Hospitals are implementing protocols for managing dengue patients, including monitoring platelet counts and conducting regular ultrasounds."

Health authorities continue to combat the outbreak amid growing concerns for public safety, he added.

Dengue Prevention Measures

Renowned health expert, Dr Javed Akram, has said that there was a need for proactive measures to combat the spread of dengue

Dr Ikram suggested that people can minimise their risk of contracting the disease by taking a few simple precautions. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of dengue fever, which include fever, headache, and severe joint and muscle pain.