Pindi struggles to contain dengue spurt

RAWALPINDI:

The dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi district has reached alarming proportions as the number of patients increased sharply and the death toll has risen to seven over the past two months.

A 44-year-old patient recently died from the virus, and the condition of five other patients remains critical. Currently, the number of dengue cases has reached 3,379, with 95 new patients admitted to hospitals today alone. In total, seven dengue-related deaths have been reported in Rawalpindi.

Despite repeated emergency meetings to address the crisis, efforts to control the outbreak have proven ineffective, as dengue larvae continue to be found across the district.

The recruitment of 500 new dengue workers has done little to curb the spread. Additionally, four sanitary workers have been dismissed for submitting false reports about dengue larvae clearance, while 14 others have been issued show-cause notices.

Health experts warn that the situation is out of control and that dengue may only subside with the arrival of winter rains. Meanwhile, local health authorities have expressed frustration at the lack of progress.

In an attempt to control the outbreak, authorities have registered 4,480 cases for finding dengue larvae, sealed 1,708 properties, and issued 2,969 challans. Fines amounting to over 1 crore rupees have been imposed. Despite these measures, the number of affected areas continues to rise.

The government has appointed 24 members of the National Assembly, provincial assembly, senators, and Muslim League officials to oversee dengue operations in Rawalpindi.

However, many of these officials have been conducting dengue meetings at their homes with government officials, limiting these sessions to discussions and meals rather than taking action in the field.

The situation has become so dire that health officials have decided to declare the end of the dengue season in the first week of November, hoping that weather changes will reduce the spread of the virus.

However, ongoing third-party surveys continue to find heavy dengue larvae in areas previously cleared.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqas Cheema has issued strict orders to take action against those providing false dengue clearance reports based on these third-party findings.