Pindi reels under influenza onslaught

RAWALPINDI:

A sharp increase in influenza and respiratory illness cases has been observed in Rawalpindi as severe cold weather grips the city, overwhelming health centres. Patients are complaining of cough, fever and breathing difficulties.

Children and the elderly are reported to be the most affected groups. Health experts attribute the rise to the prevailing dry, cold conditions and lack of rainfall, which favour the spread of seasonal flu, cough, fever, chest irritation and respiratory issues.

The Rawalpindi District Health Authority continues to maintain rigorous surveillance on Influenza A(H3), with constant and strict monitoring of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases.

According to the health authority's epidemiological data, the overall situation remains fully under control. During the month of December, 22 suspect cases related to severe respiratory illness were screened, out of which only four were confirmed positive. All confirmed patients recovered completely after treatment.

Under the Health Department's Rapid Response Protocol, 18 close contacts were traced, with only one secondary case testing positive indicating that transmission has remained limited.