Anti-mosquito drive fails to stem dengue surge
Despite anti-dengue campaigns and an increase in sanitary patrols, the threat of dengue fever continues to rise in Rawalpindi and Murree.
According to health officials, confirmed dengue cases have reached 51 in Rawalpindi and 56 in Murree.
In the last 24 hours, five new cases were reported in Rawalpindi and three in Murree. Last year in August, Murree had reported only one confirmed patient, while Rawalpindi had 48 cases during the same month.
Health department figures show that 4,514 people were screened in Rawalpindi and 548 in Murree, of which 51 and 56 tested positive, respectively.
In Rawalpindi, checks at over 4.2 million houses found 74,000 dengue-positive sites, with larvae recovered from 2,296 locations.
During 1.12 million spot checks, 12,781 dengue-positive sites and 87,336 larva-breeding spots were identified. In Murree, 40,000 houses were inspected, with larvae detected at 1,909 locations.
Authorities registered 2,769 FIRs in Rawalpindi over dengue SOP violations, sealed 1,185 sites, issued 2,943 challans, and imposed fines of over Rs4.7 million.
In Murree, 56 FIRs were lodged, 196 sites sealed, 893 challans issued, and fines amounting to Rs0.786 million imposed.
The five new dengue patients in Rawalpindi came from Gangal, Rehmatabad, Dhama Syedan, and Dhoke Kala Khan.
Rawalpindi Health Authority CEO Dr Ihsan Ghani said clinical and entomological surveillance was underway, and the public was advised to change water storage practices. Spray campaigns, larvicides, and awareness drives have been intensified.
Special focus is being given to active case detection in schools and offices, while inter-sectoral coordination is being ensured for immediate response.
Rawalpindi schools enforce strict dengue SOPs
Our Correspondent
RAWALPINDI: Amid the growing number of dengue cases and the increasing threat posed by the dengue mosquito, the Education Department has enforced strict anti-dengue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all public and private schools and colleges in the district.
Effective immediately, the use of chemical sprays within educational institutions has been banned, while students are no longer permitted to wear half-sleeve shirts. In addition, a compulsory "zero period" dedicated to dengue prevention activities has been introduced in every school each morning.
The Chief Executive Officer of the District Education Authority (DEA) Rawalpindi, Tariq Mehmood, has issued a 26-point anti-dengue SOP to all education officers, school heads, and private school associations throughout the district, with clear instructions for its prompt implementation. He cautioned that any violation would invite strict disciplinary action against those found responsible.
According to the circular, each school must immediately appoint a focal person for dengue prevention. In government schools, grounds, rooftops, and corridors are to be cleared of grass and wild growth without delay. Washrooms must be thoroughly cleaned and equipped with water, buckets, soap, and towels. All drinking and rainwater leakages must be eliminated, and water tanks must be kept properly sanitised. Furthermore, the daily cleaning of water in air-coolers has been declared mandatory.
To enhance awareness, schools have also been directed to organise essay-writing and speech competitions, quiz programmes, and weekly tests on dengue prevention. A fully updated sanitation system is to be maintained at all times, while dengue awareness banners must be displayed prominently at school entrances. Students' uniforms are likewise required to be kept neat and clean.
Strict compliance has been ordered, with educational institutions instructed to submit timely implementation reports.