Dengue death toll rises to 16

ISLAMABAD:

Sixteen people have died so far in Rawalpindi as the city battles this year's dengue outbreak.

In the last 24 hours alone, 120 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of patients under treatment in local hospitals to 260.

Potohar Town remains a major hotspot, despite intensified efforts by the district administration to control the spread.

Currently, 86 dengue patients are being treated at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, 56 at Holy Family Hospital, 42 at District Headquarters Hospital, 26 at Fuji Foundation Hospital, and 50 across other medical facilities.

Since the start of the season, the number of confirmed cases in Rawalpindi has reached 5,058.

In the past day, 52 new cases emerged from Potohar Town, 19 from the Municipal Corporation limits, 27 from Rawalpindi Cantonment, two from Potohar Rural, seven from Chaklala Cantt, two from Taxila, and one each from Gujar Khan and Kallar Syedan.

Authorities have also registered 5,256 FIRs against citizens for violating dengue prevention SOPs, sealed 1,815 buildings, and issued 3,300 challans. Fines amounting to Rs20.15 million have been imposed on those failing to follow protocols.

With the outbreak escalating, the District Health Authority has issued a new 10-day advisory, urging increased vigilance and preventive measures.

Anti-dengue indoor residual spraying (IRS) has been intensified, as the warmer weather is allowing the mosquito population to persist.

Citizens are advised to use mosquito repellents indoors and to be cautious during peak mosquito activity times—early morning and evening. Health officials warn that dengue mosquitoes are now breeding in water inside homes, adding to the challenge of containment.

District Health Authority CEO Dr Asif Arbab Niazi noted that temperatures remain high, sustaining dengue activity.

"The average number of new cases per day is still between 100 to 150," he said. "A significant temperature drop will eventually help reduce the mosquito population, but in the meantime, precautions are essential."

Dr Niazi urged residents to use mosquito repellents, wear long sleeves, and be particularly vigilant during high-risk times to reduce exposure.