Dengue outbreak shows no signs of abating

The dengue fever cases have gone 'unbridled' in the Rawalpindi district despite the official end of the dengue season on October 31, pointing a finger at the so far anti-dengue measures adopted by the district administration and health department to eliminate mosquitos and larvae.

The dengue fever season in Rawalpindi, which has emerged as the district with the highest number of dengue cases in Punjab, has been extended by one month. Due to inadequate control strategies, lack of vigilance and the severe shortage of dengue sanitary workers, the situation has worsened. Alarmingly, the district is also witnessing a surge in measles cases.

In the past 24 hours, government hospitals have seen an influx of 90 new dengue patients, filling all available beds. Meanwhile, the total number of dengue patients in the district has surged to 5,565, and the count of dengue patients in private hospitals has now surpassed 300.

Unfortunately, Rawalpindi remains the top district for dengue cases, with a death toll of 11 and seven patients in critical condition. However, two patients have been contacted with Congo virus. Also, the number of measles cases climbed to 671.

According to the health department's data, this year, 5,489 FIRs were registered, 3,385 challans were issued for the presence of dengue larvae and Rs22.1 million in fines were imposed. Field teams sealed 1,834 properties due to non-compliance with anti-dengue regulations. The health department also took disciplinary action against its staff, suspended 12 workers and issued show-cause notices to six others after a third-party survey revealed a large number of dengue larvae in supposedly cleared Union Councils (UCs). Furthermore, four workers were issued notices for unapproved absences.

The health department reports that despite the end of the dengue season, the number of dengue patients continues to rise due to the lack of rainfall. The drop in temperature at night hasn't deterred dengue mosquitoes, which are now taking shelter at homes, shopping centres, and under the tracks of metro bus stations.

The department recommends spraying mosquito repellents in houses and offices as dengue mosquitoes often hide behind curtains, sofas, furniture and under beds. Mosquito-repellent oil should be applied while sleeping at night, it further recommends.

The regions of IJ Principal Road, Pirwadhai, Peshawar Mor and Islamabad Expressway in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been identified as dengue hot spots.

As many as 82 patients are under treatment at Holy Family Hospital (HFH), 40 at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBGH), 26 at Fuji Foundation Hospital and 19 at Teaching Hospital.

According to health experts, the number of dengue cases is expected to start declining from November 15, with the outbreak likely to subside by November 30. However, the dengue season and emergency period have concluded annually on October 31. Health officials have appealed to the public to pray for rain in efforts to eradicate dengue fever.