Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning on Friday of a potential dengue outbreak in October, particularly in large cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, and Multan.
The warning highlights the growing threat of dengue fever, which has become a significant public health issue over the last decade.
The PMD noted that dengue fever cases spike during the post-monsoon season, from September 20 to December 5. A total of 1,026 dengue patients have already been admitted to hospitals this season.
In response, authorities have declared a rain emergency in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, instructing the Water and Sanitation Authority to drain excess water in three shifts to prevent water accumulation, which fosters dengue mosquito breeding.
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Ideal conditions for dengue breeding identified
A PMD spokesperson explained that dengue outbreaks typically occur when the temperature stays between 26-29°C for 3-5 weeks, humidity levels reach 60 per cent, and rainfall exceeds 27mm, with a lag of up to three weeks. The most active period for dengue mosquitoes is two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset. Once temperatures fall below 16°C, mosquito breeding decreases significantly.
The PMD has urged all relevant stakeholders to implement preventive measures in preparation for the anticipated outbreak. Health experts stress that proactive steps are essential to curb the spread of the disease during this high-risk period.
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