Dengue Outbreak Worsens in Rawalpindi: Health Authorities Scramble to Contain Spread

A dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi continues to escalate, particularly in Potohar Town's Chak Jalal Din. Health authorities have deployed a mobile unit to combat the virus. Despite ongoing efforts, dengue cases have surged, prompting legal action against violators. The public is urged to remain vigilant.

The dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi shows no signs of abating, with a significant rise in reported cases across the district. Potohar Town, especially Chak Jalal Din, remains one of the most severely affected areas. In response to the surge, health authorities have dispatched a mobile health unit to Chak Jalal Din, where 226 residents have tested positive. In the last 24 hours alone, 44 new cases were confirmed, according to the Express Tribune.

The District Health Authority's anti-dengue campaigns appear insufficient to halt the spread of the disease-bearing mosquito. The number of hospitalized patients has reached 96, while the district's total confirmed cases stand at 543. Potohar Town has experienced the largest increase, reporting 25 new infections in the past 20 hours. Other affected areas include municipal corporation jurisdictions, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Chaklala, and rural Potohar.

Other health concerns persist, with two Congo fever cases and 651 malaria cases recorded this season, although no monkeypox cases have been reported, as stated by the Express Tribune. At the mobile health unit, 71 patients were examined: 67 underwent CBC tests, two had FT tests, three received RFTs, and 14 had blood sugar tests.

Legal action is underway against those contributing to mosquito breeding sites. Authorities have lodged 2,826 FIRs, sealed 808 buildings, issued 2,226 challans, and levied PKR 14.49 million in fines. Chief Executive of the District Health Authority, Asif Arbab Niazi, highlighted the government's strong response but called for public vigilance. "The public must continue to take precautions until October 15," he urged, emphasizing the need to avoid stagnant water, secure homes in the evening, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito repellent.

(With inputs from agencies.)