The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has declared Sufaid Dheri village on the outskirts of Peshawar an outbreak zone for chikungunya after laboratory confirmation of 16 cases, prompting swift containment measures across the locality.
According to Secretary Health Shahidullah, the outbreak surfaced earlier this week when residents reported symptoms of high fever, joint pain, and fatigue, raising alarms of a potential viral spread.
A rapid response team collected 21 samples from suspected patients, which were tested at the K-P Public Health Reference Laboratory. "Sixteen samples returned positive, confirming the presence of chikungunya in the community," the secretary said.
Following confirmation, the Directorate General Health Services (DGHS) issued an emergency advisory to the District Health Officer (DHO) Peshawar, directing immediate response actions.
A control room has been established at the DHO office to monitor developments and coordinate field operations. "Epidemiological investigations are underway to trace the source and transmission patterns of the virus," Shahidullah added.
The provincial disease surveillance unit reported that vector control activities, including fogging, larviciding, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites, are in full swing. Social mobilization teams have been deployed to raise awareness among residents about preventive measures and early detection of symptoms.
Local healthcare facilities have been instructed to ensure availability of diagnostic kits and essential medicines.
Daily situation reports are being submitted to the DGHS to assess outbreak progression and guide further interventions. Officials have advised residents to limit unnecessary movement, use mosquito repellents, and maintain cleanliness around homes.
A Health Department spokesperson assured that all available resources are being utilized to contain the outbreak within the union council.
"Contact tracing and close monitoring of suspected cases are ongoing to prevent further spread," the spokesperson added.
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