Dengue outbreak hits K-P hard

Peshawar reports 707 cases in October

PESHAWAR:

With recent changes in weather, temperatures have become more conducive to the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue, leading to a drastic increase in cases across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Official sources told The Express Tribune that 84 new dengue cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, with more patients arriving at hospitals.

According to the health department, the total number of dengue-infected cases in the province has already reached 1,941 this month.

As a result, the total number of dengue cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has increased to 2,368. According to official data, there are currently 475 active dengue cases in the province.

In October, the highest number of dengue cases has been reported in Peshawar, with 707 cases. This is followed by Lower Kohistan with 171 cases, Mansehra with 153 cases, Nowshera with 114 cases, and Hangu with 105 cases reported this month.

Similarly, 102 cases have been reported in Kohat, 98 in Abbottabad, 89 in Charsadda, 66 in Mardan, 50 in Bannu, 49 in Swat, 42 in DI Khan, and 32 in Swabi.

Currently, 48 dengue patients are undergoing treatment at the hospitals.

Around 12 new patients have been admitted in the past 24 hours. Officially there have been two deaths from dengue in K-P so far, but unofficial numbers are likely much higher.

Official sources said patients are coming in large number to the public sector hospitals. However, only serious patients are being admitted for treatment due to a lack of space.

Most patients are advised to stay home and take medication following a home check-up.

According to the Health Department, temperatures are highly favorable for mosquito growth in various districts, contributing to an increase in vector-borne diseases.

Surveillance has been tightened, and various measures are being implemented, particularly in high-risk union councils. A house-to-house awareness campaign has also been initiated by lady health workers.