Awareness drive launched as dengue cases mount

Despite anti-dengue campaign, 87 patients tested positive for dengue in last 24 hours

RAWALPINDI:

In the backdrop of 'unsuccessful' measures to control dengue and mounting cases of dengue patients in city hospitals, the District Health Authority (DHA) officials have begun mass awareness campaigns across the district.

The DHA head and other officials have started addressing worshippers in mosques, conducting door-to-door anti-dengue campaigns in neighbourhoods, and meeting with citizens in markets to raise awareness about the severity of dengue.

Taking notice of the peak intensity of dengue in Rawalpindi, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is also receiving daily reports and updates. Punjab ministers, MNAs and MPAs have been tasked with supervising the anti-dengue awareness campaigns in Rawalpindi.

Despite the anti-dengue campaign, 87 people have been confirmed positive for dengue in the last 24 hours. The number of dengue patients being treated in allied hospitals has reached 299. Despite special efforts by the district administration, Potohar Town continues to be a hotspot. In Rawalpindi district, 87 dengue cases have been reported in one day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases this season to 1,934.

In the last 24 hours, 39 dengue cases were reported from Potohar Town, 18 from the Municipal Corporation area, 20 from the Rawalpindi Cantonment, four from Potohar Rural, two each from the Chaklala Cantonment and Kallar Syedan, and one each from Taxila and Kotli Sattian.

According to sources in the health department, nine patients have lost their lives to the dengue virus this year. The health department reports that 3,887 FIRs have been registered against citizens for violating SOPs after dengue larvae were found. Additionally, 1,526 buildings were sealed, and 2,690 fine tickets were issued. Despite warnings to exercise caution during previous actions, a fine of Rs17.73 million was imposed after dengue larvae were found again.

Meanwhile, patients visiting Rawalpindi's Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, and District Headquarters Hospital, with dengue fever symptoms are being treated for dengue testing, platelet monitoring, undergoing ultrasound twice a day, frequent use of mosquito repellent (Mospel), and staying confined to mosquito nets.

The sources further said that the dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi continued to persist in Potohar Town, while cases were also being reported from other areas.