Rising dengue cases set off alarm bells

Fearing the already arrival of 'dengue-linked' illnesses like the common cold, flu, fever and cough among residents, health authorities have decided to launch an anti-dengue campaign and related measures across the Rawalpindi division.

The health department and medical experts have already declared the prevailing illnesses as dengue effects and raised the alarm that the upcoming dengue season could be hazardous.

Health experts say according to the 2024 search report, this year there is a high risk of dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, which are life-threatening.

According to the new anti-dengue plan, the Rawalpindi district has been divided into five zones, nine sectors, and 36 clusters. The Punjab Education Secretary has declared zero tolerance for the birth of dengue larvae and has issued orders to start dengue mosquito-killing measures in all government and private schools. The secretary has issued a special circular following the strict instructions of the Punjab Chief Secretary.

The circular mentions a zero-period on immediate dengue awareness, a strict ban on students wearing half-sleeved shirts, recruitment of anti-dengue volunteers, display of anti-dengue banners in schools, elimination of water leakage, destruction of weeds and grass, and complete cleaning of standing water from playground corridors.

Strict orders have also been issued to spray chemicals in ponds with stagnant water in cities and villages, clean garbage from empty plots, monitor water in under-construction buildings, check water containers for birds and animals on the roofs of warehouses, tyre shops, houses and plazas, and check water tanks.

The official correspondence originated from the Ministry of Education (MoE) further highlights that there is a serious risk of the spread of dengue 1 and dengue 2 types in the Rawalpindi division this season. In 2024, the Rawalpindi division was invaded by the most dangerous dengue mosquito dengue 2 with a 95% birth rate. It further states children are more vulnerable to dengue 2.

The CS has also issued instructions to all 43 government institutions to work together to combat dengue. Anti-dengue training for officers and staff of all departments has also been started in Rawalpindi due to the high risk of dengue spread this year.

Officers and field staff are being given practical training on the detection and recognition of dengue larvae. The training will continue till February 15 and in early February before the start of the anti-dengue campaign.