Dengue cases surge in Punjab with 149 new infections in 24 hours

Punjab declared health emergency in Rawalpindi last week after 103 new cases were identified in a single day

LAHORE:

The Punjab Health Department confirmed 149 new cases of dengue across the province in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of infections in 2024 to 3,285.

In the past week, 997 new cases were reported, with Rawalpindi the hardest hit, recording 134 cases. Bahawalpur reported three cases, while Lahore registered two.

Other districts including Sheikhupura, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Attock, Kasur, Mianwali, Khanewal, Nankana Sahib, and Narowal each recorded one case.

The Punjab government declared a health emergency in Rawalpindi last week after 103 new cases were identified in a single day, stoking fears of a wider outbreak.

In response, Punjab’s health minister announced the formation of a district emergency response committee in Rawalpindi, composed of national and provincial lawmakers, to oversee the anti-dengue campaign.

Health officials also issued an advisory urging the public to maintain clean and dry environments to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Public vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to curbing dengue across Punjab," a health department spokesperson said.