Dengue cases rise despite temperature dip

Health authority urges new precautions amid spike in cases

RAWALPINDI:

Amid a surge in dengue cases, the Rawalpindi District Health Authority (DHA) has issued a public advisory, urging citizens to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the dengue virus.

With the rise in dengue cases showing no sign of abating, DHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Asif Arbab Niazi stressed the urgency of following safety guidelines.

"Residents are recommended to spray their homes in the evening, burn mosquito coils, use mosquito repellent, and wear full-sleeved clothing," Dr Niazi advised, underscoring the heightened risk of infection as mosquitoes find shelter indoors, particularly at night.

District health teams are also conducting indoor residual spraying (IRS) across high-risk areas to reduce the number of mosquitoes in residential spaces.

The advisory also emphasised the need for extra care among those with respiratory issues, particularly as smog levels worsen.

"Citizens should limit outdoor activity to essential trips only and wear masks when outside," he advised, adding that drinking water is crucial to stay hydrated in such conditions.

For those already dealing with respiratory problems, he suggested extra caution, noting that coffee might offer some relief due to its stimulant effects.

Efforts to combat dengue in Rawalpindi have been ramped up as cases persist across the district.

Three hospitals in Rawalpindi, as well as all tehsil headquarters hospitals, have been equipped with dedicated dengue treatment beds and special counters to manage the influx of patients.

These facilities have also been assured a continuous supply of essential medications to ensure uninterrupted treatment.

Despite a recent change in weather, the Rawalpindi district recorded 87 new cases of dengue fever in the past 24 hours, bringing the season's total to 5,652 cases.

Potohar Town remains the most affected area, reporting 39 new cases. Other hotspots include the Municipal Corporation limits, which recorded 13 new cases, and Rawalpindi Cantonment, with 22.

Smaller numbers were reported in Chaklala Cantonment, Taxila, and Kahuta.

Hospitals in the area are currently treating 220 dengue patients, and the death toll in Rawalpindi has reached 16.

Potohar Town has continued to see high rates of infection, despite repeated efforts from the district administration to curb mosquito breeding and enforce preventive measures. Law enforcement has registered over 5,500 First Information Reports (FIRs) this season against those found violating dengue SOPs, leading to the sealing of 1,854 buildings.

Additionally, 3,410 challan tickets have been issued to repeat offenders, with total fines reaching Rs22.1 million.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has taken measures to combat smog in the district by targeting common sources of smoke and air pollution.

The district administration is working to reduce emissions from factories, brick kilns, and vehicles and has enforced a strict ban on burning crop residue and waste.

As cases of both dengue and smog-related illnesses continue to strain health resources, Rawalpindi residents are urged to take all recommended precautions to protect themselves and prevent further spread.