K-P struggles to contain dengue outbreak

Despite the seasonal shift toward cooler weather, several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) remain in the grip of dengue, with Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Haripur emerging as the most affected areas.

According to the latest report issued by the provincial health department, 35 new dengue cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours, while 23 new patients were admitted to different district hospitals across the province. The total number of dengue cases reported so far this year has reached 3,865, with two confirmed deaths attributed to the virus.

Peshawar remains the hardest-hit district, recording 386 cases, including 212 reported in October alone. Charsadda has reported 1,045 total cases, of which 125 surfaced this month. In Mardan, 251 new cases were confirmed in October, raising the district's total to 343, while Haripur reported 93 new infections during the same period, bringing its total to 329 cases.

Health officials said that 20 union councils in Peshawar have been severely affected. Special monitoring committees have been formed to oversee anti-dengue measures in these areas. Major hospitals in the provincial capital continue to receive around 50 suspected dengue patients daily, although only those with serious symptoms are being admitted. Most patients are being treated and sent home with preventive guidelines.

In Peshawar, the Badaber and Landi Arbab areas have reported the highest concentration of cases. Currently, 70 to 80 patients are under treatment at the city's three major hospitals. In other districts, 11 patients are admitted to DHQ Charsadda, 10 to Mardan Medical Complex, 11 to Nowshera Hospital, seven to DHQ Kohat, five to DHQ Bajaur, and three to MMM Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, no dengue cases have been reported in nine colder districts, including Upper Kohistan, Kurram, Kolai-Palas, North Waziristan, Orakzai, Shangla, Torghar, Lower Kohistan, and Swat. However, isolated cases have surfaced in South Waziristan, Upper Chitral, and Battagram.

The provincial health department said 276 active cases remain under treatment, adding that preventive efforts are being intensified in affected areas to curb the spread of the virus.