12 Pindi UCs declared high-risk zones

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak has declared 12 union councils in Rawalpindi as high-risk zones for dengue fever, urging citizens to take necessary precautions against the dangerous dengue virus.

The announcement came during an anti-dengue review meeting attended by deputy commissioners, divisional heads, and health officers from various districts.

The areas identified as high-risk include Chak Jalal Deen, Kotha Kalan, Dhoke Manshi, Gurja Ganga L CTC-5, Chaklala, Kalial, Rahmatabad, Shakriyal North, Dhamial, Lakhan, Khanna Dak, and CTR-17. To combat the spread of the virus, additional anti-dengue campaign teams have been deployed to these zones.

The commissioner emphasised the need for a coordinated, multi-departmental effort, particularly involving the health department, to effectively control the spread of dengue. He highlighted the importance of immediate medical attention for suspected cases, noting that timely hospitalisation can prevent severe complications. Khattak also appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness in their homes and seek medical help promptly if fever symptoms arise.

In the meeting, the health department reported a significant rise in dengue cases, with 147 new patients confirmed in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of confirmed dengue cases in Rawalpindi this year to 2,143. Fortunately, 1,863 patients have successfully recovered, while 280 are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

In response to the outbreak, authorities have implemented strict measures, sealing 15 buildings and issuing 57 FIRs and 21 challans within the Rawalpindi district over the last 24 hours.

Additionally, fines amounting to Rs1,36,500 were imposed for violations of anti-dengue standard operating procedures (SOPs).