Anti-dengue plan rolled out for winters

Strategy aims to break reproductive cycle of mosquitoes

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi District Health Authority has rolled out a plan to eliminate dengue mosquito eggs and larvae from December 2023 to April 2025 to curb the risk of another outbreak next year.

Despite the seasonal decline in dengue cases due to changing weather, authorities are taking pre-emptive measures to prevent larvae from maturing into adult mosquitoes.

This year, dengue claimed 16 lives across the district.

Chief Executive of the District Health Authority, Dr Asif Arbab Niazi, highlighted the critical importance of this campaign, saying, "Dengue has been practically defeated for now, as evidenced by just seven new cases reported in the last 24 hours. However, the dengue mosquito's reproductive cycle remains a concern."

He explained that mosquito eggs laid during the cooler months can remain dormant, later developing into larvae.

The peak breeding season typically begins in March, intensifying into full-blown dengue outbreaks in August and September.

Meanwhile, hospitals across Rawalpindi continue to treat 45 dengue patients, with four admitted at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, 13 at Holy Family Hospital, four at the District Headquarters Hospital, and 24 at private facilities.

Over the last 24 hours, new cases were reported from Pothohar Town, Municipal Corporation areas, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Taxila, and Murree.

So far this season, the district has recorded 6,550 confirmed dengue cases, with 16 fatalities. Law enforcement has also stepped up efforts to enforce dengue prevention protocols, registering 6,209 FIRs, sealing 1,899 buildings, and issuing 3,699 challans. A hefty fine of Rs. 23.28 million has been imposed for repeated violations of dengue SOPs.

Authorities remain resolute in their commitment to eradicating the threat of dengue through proactive measures and strict enforcement.