Pindi marks first dengue-free day in five months

For the first time in five months, Rawalpindi recorded no new dengue cases within the last 24 hours, signalling a significant victory against the endemic.

According to the health authorities on Friday, the declining trend in dengue cases has now reached zero. Over the past week, the average number of new cases dropped to just two per day before reaching none. Currently, only eight patients are admitted to hospitals and will be discharged within a week.

In light of the progress, dengue-special wards in both government and private hospitals have been converted back to regular wards, and hospital staff previously assigned to dengue duties have resumed standard roles. The district administration has also ceased holding dengue-related meetings.

This year, Rawalpindi reported 6,607 dengue cases and 11 fatalities. Authorities registered 6,283 FIRs after discovering dengue larvae, sealed 1,899 properties, and issued 3,829 challans, collecting fines totalling Rs2.34 million.

While the dengue campaign has officially ended, preparations for next year's plan are underway. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has directed health officers to procure additional anti-dengue spray and new equipment. The anti-dengue strategy for 2025 is expected to be finalised by February 15.

Additionally, the district is gearing up for an anti-polio campaign in January after the polio virus was detected in sewage samples. Dengue workers will also assist in anti-polio and anti-smog duties.