ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: On Monday, health officials in Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 140 new cases of the dengue virus within the past 24 hours, coinciding with outbreaks of the infection across various cities within these two regions.
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Dengue Outbreak Sparks Concern in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In a recent update, health authorities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have sounded the alarm after verifying the detection of 140 fresh instances of the virus within the past day.
What’s particularly troubling about this situation is that these new cases coincide with several dengue outbreaks that are presently spreading in different cities.
The rise in cases has also highlighted the importance of public awareness about the dengue virus and efforts should be made to prevent the further spread and control damages of dengue while making sure that people who have been affected by the virus get treatment as soon as possible.
Dengue Outbreaks and Risks Rise in Pakistan
The virus mainly spreads via mosquito bites, which can cause extreme flu-like signs and, at worst, also can be life-threatening to the person. Lahore has the most amount of cases, and there is also a full-size quantity of cases in Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Dengue fever is spread through vectors, carried by infected mosquitos, and may lead to fatalities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s health department says 97 cases reported during the last 24 hours
This disease is transmitted by vectors, primarily transmitted through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus.
In its most severe manifestation, it can result in fatalities. Individuals afflicted by dengue experience pronounced flu-like symptoms, which include a high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint discomfort, as well as nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms typically endure for approximately one week.
Dengue Cases Surge in Punjab and KP, Prompting Health Response
According to Punjab Health Secretary Ali Khan, provincial authorities have officially reported a total of 1,458 cases of this viral infection across 36 districts within Punjab this year. Among these districts, Lahore has recorded the highest number with 562 cases, followed by Rawalpindi with 271, Multan with 166, Faisalabad with 112, and Gujranwala with 54 reported infections. This surge in cases signifies a concerning trend in the region’s health landscape, warranting immediate attention and action from health authorities.
“At present, a total of 62 patients are under treatment in hospitals across Punjab, whose condition is stable,” he said in a statement. “The government has allocated 2,678 beds for dengue patients at Punjab government hospitals.”
According to officials, there have been no reported fatalities from the infection in Punjab this year.
He encouraged individuals to maintain cleanliness and dryness in their surroundings as a preventive measure against the infection’s transmission. He also called on people to collaborate with the teams from the Urban Health Department in their efforts to prevent its spread.
Additionally, Khan mentioned that individuals can reach out to the Health Department for information regarding dengue fever, and its treatment, and to report any concerns through the toll-free helpline, 1033.
Cases Surge Once Again
In the meantime, the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has confirmed the detection of 97 cases of the virus in the past 24 hours. Simultaneously, authorities have also documented 55 new cases of chickenpox in several cities within the province.
Professor Dr. Riaz Anwar Khan, the health adviser to the chief minister, disclosed, “We have a total of 97 dengue virus patients reported from almost all districts. Furthermore, we have identified 55 cases of chickenpox among teachers and children in Mastooj town of Chitral and Tirah Maidan valley of Khyber district.”
Khan stated that the health department has issued directives for the establishment of teams aimed at preventing any further dengue virus outbreaks and ensuring that patients receive appropriate medical care.
Outbreak Expanding
The majority of cases were concentrated in KP’s capital, Peshawar, as well as in Mardan and Swabi districts, according to the official. However, an increasing number of cases were also emerging from various parts of the province, including the newly merged tribal districts, as noted by Khan.
He further stated, “My department is continuously monitoring the situation and actively working on strategies to prevent the breeding of dengue larvae across all districts.”
Khan mentioned that district headquarters hospitals have been instructed to ensure the availability of medical staff and medicines around the clock.
In response to the situation, he added, “Health officials have initiated indoor residual spraying (IRS) in the affected areas as a measure to control the situation.”
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