Dengue cases reach 139 in twin cities

Authorities expect dengue season to end from November 16

RAWALPINDI:

Health departments appear helpless in containing the spread of dengue mosquitoes in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where the combined number of dengue patients has increased to 139.

Meanwhile, the number of dengue patients in Lahore has risen to 136.

Rawalpindi has reported 89 dengue patients, while Islamabad has recorded 50.

The number of dengue patients visiting private hospitals and clinics in the twin cities is even higher than that in government hospitals. However, the health departments have no effective mechanism to monitor these cases apart from verbal claims.

Dengue mosquitoes and larvae are found in much greater numbers in bushes in the border areas where Rawalpindi and Islamabad meet.

However, no mechanism has been developed to eliminate them due to disputes over the ownership of these areas.

With temperatures dropping at night in the twin cities, outdoor mosquitoes and dengue larvae found in ponds, bushes and graveyards have started dying naturally.

According to the health department, the long Metro track and abandoned, dilapidated buildings are now the remaining outdoor habitats of dengue mosquitoes in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Inside homes, sofa sets, beds and the rear sides of window curtains provide safe habitats for dengue mosquitoes, which can be eliminated through spraying.

According to the District Health Authority, dengue has been confirmed in 89 people in Rawalpindi this year. Currently, 11 patients are admitted to hospitals, including four confirmed cases. So far, 6,433 patients have been screened, of whom 5,905 were declared suspected cases.