Pindi, Murree grapple with dengue surge

The dengue outbreak continues unabated in Rawalpindi and the hill station of Murree, where 76 and 64 confirmed cases have so far been reported, respectively.

Following a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, a review session was convened at the Commissioner's Office with local legislators and heads of relevant departments, during which it was resolved to accelerate the anti-dengue campaign. On the same day, six new cases were confirmed in Rawalpindi.

So far this year, 4,901 people in Rawalpindi have been screened on suspicion of dengue. Six fresh cases have been confirmed, 41 patients remain hospitalised, and 13 confirmed cases are currently under treatment across various hospitals, bringing the city's total to 76 confirmed patients.

In Murree, 606 individuals have been tested, of whom 64 were confirmed as dengue-positive. Eleven remain under treatment in hospitals, including three confirmed cases.

According to the Health Department, in Rawalpindi, 1,290 anti-dengue teams have inspected over 4.35 million sites, identifying 86,434 hotspots. Of 116,615 larval sites checked, 13,761 tested positive. In Murree, 167 teams inspected 422,129 sites, identifying 2,097 hotspots, with 2,511 larvae detected.

Enforcement measures have also been intensified. In Rawalpindi, 3,003 FIRs have been lodged, 1,264 premises sealed, 3,024 challans issued, and fines totalling Rs6.48 million imposed. In Murree, 20 FIRs have been registered, 207 premises sealed, 951 challans issued, and fines amounting to Rs12,000 imposed.

New cases in Rawalpindi have emerged from Qayyumabad, Girja, CTC-3 Kalyal, Hazara Colony, and Satellite Town (D-Block).

Separately, Rawalpindi Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak presided over an anti-dengue review meeting attended by legislators and representatives from the relevant departments.

He expressed strong concern over the failure to carry out spraying in around 10,000 houses located near confirmed patients and larval sites. Responding to complaints raised by legislators, the Commissioner ordered the immediate cleaning of sewage drains in their constituencies and directed that all departmental grievances be resolved without delay.