Dengue cases plummet amid weather shift

Source say only 26 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi district has recorded a significant decline in dengue cases in the last 24 hours, thanks to a change in weather. Over the past 24 hours, the number of patients testing positive for dengue has visibly dropped from around 150 to just 26.

Areas like Kahuta, Kotli Sattian, Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan, Taxila and Murree reported no new dengue cases in the last 24 hours. Due to the reduced intensity of dengue, the number of hospitalised patients has also decreased significantly, leaving only 80 under treatment.

However, the dengue emergency remains in effect as per the decision of the Chief Executive of the District Health Authority (DHA).

During the current season, the total number of dengue-positive cases in Rawalpindi district reached 6,471, with 16 deaths reported. Currently, 11 patients are being treated at Holy Family Hospital, 10 at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, four at Fauji Foundation, three at the District Headquarters Hospital, and 52 at various private hospitals.

As part of the anti-dengue campaign, authorities filed 6,113 FIRs against individuals violating dengue SOPs, sealed 1,896 buildings, issued 3,638 fines, and imposed penalties totalling over Rs23.1 million.

DHA CE Dr Asif Arbab Niazi acknowledges that the weather change has contributed to the decrease in dengue intensity. However, he adds that the anti-dengue campaign and dengue emergency measures will remain in place.

Dr Niazi has cautioned citizens against becoming careless, stressing that dengue mosquitoes can still pose a threat, especially inside homes during evening and morning hours. These mosquitoes often take refuge in curtains and other areas and can attack at any time. To stay safe, Dr Niazi recommends using preventive measures such as sprays, coil burning, and mosquito repellents in homes.