In a recent update, the Punjab health secretary has confirmed that 67 new cases of dengue fever were reported in the province in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of cases reported across 36 districts in Punjab to 1,042 this year.
Lahore, the provincial capital, has been heavily affected with 369 cases reported so far. In the past day alone, 28 new cases emerged in Lahore. Rawalpindi has reported a total of 165 cases, while Faisalabad has recorded six new patients diagnosed with the dengue virus.
Currently, there are 61 patients admitted to various hospitals across Punjab, with 36 in Lahore. To accommodate the increasing number of dengue patients, the provincial authorities have allocated 2,678 beds in government hospitals.
Meanwhile, in Sindh, the number of dengue cases has soared to 896 this year with a significant rise witnessed in August. Throughout August, a total of 731 dengue cases were reported in various districts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Larkana, and Sukkur.
NIH Advisory for Dengue Prevention
In light of the rising number of dengue cases, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory emphasizing the need for a strong vigilance system to control the spread of the virus, especially during the monsoon season. The public has been advised to take preventive measures, including environmental management and modification to prevent mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats. Regular cleaning and covering of domestic water storage containers are crucial to prevent dengue larvae from breeding. Insecticides should be applied during outbreaks as an emergency vector-control measure. Additionally, wearing clothes with full sleeves is recommended to reduce the risk of mosquito bites during the monsoon season.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. It has become a global concern in recent years due to its rapid spread. Taking necessary precautions and implementing effective control measures are essential to combat the rising cases of dengue fever.