Dengue surge rings alarm bells

Authorities confirm 68 new dengue patients, Lahore records spike in cases

LAHORE:

Dengue mosquito breeding rapidly amid fluctuating weather conditions has resulted in a renewed health crisis with cases of the fever climbing to an alarming level.

In the past 24 hours, health authorities confirmed 68 new dengue patients across Punjab, including 15 from Lahore, intensifying fears of a dangerous upsurge in the coming weeks.

According to the health department's latest surveillance data, the total number of confirmed dengue cases across the province during the ongoing year has reached 3,171, of which Lahore has reported 582 cases. Officials warn that the actual number may be higher as suspected cases continue to surge, particularly in private hospitals and clinics, which are reporting a consistent inflow of patients exhibiting dengue symptoms such as high fever, body pain and rashes.

Health experts say the steady increase in dengue cases is a result of poor sanitation conditions, uncovered water containers and stagnant rainwater in various residential and commercial localities.

Several areas of Lahore, including Samanabad, Gulberg, Allama Iqbal Town and Cantt have emerged as high risk zones for dengue breeding.

Public health officials also say the number of larvae-positive sites has grown in recent weeks despite ongoing anti-dengue campaigns.

Provincial Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with anti-dengue field teams. "People must ensure compliance with dengue SOPs in homes, offices, and workplaces. Spray insecticides regularly, use mosquito repellents, and wear full sleeve clothing," he emphasised while speaking to the media.

He further directed all district administrations to intensify larvae eradication activities and ensure strict monitoring of dengue hotspots.

"Dengue prevention this year depends on timely control of mosquito breeding," Khawaja Imran said, adding that the government has launched emergency level surveillance in urban and semi-urban areas. "Our teams are working round the clock to identify and destroy breeding sites. Immediate steps are being taken to eliminate larvae through coordinated operations."

Health authorities have confirmed that dengue surveillance operations have been expanded with additional staff deployed in affected localities.