The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert as cases of the disease rise across the country. Officials indicated that the uptick in dengue fever cases, which began in September, is expected to worsen in October.
Major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, and Larkana are at high risk for outbreaks.
Over the past decade, dengue has significantly impacted public health in Pakistan, with the PMD emphasizing that dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active during the two hours following sunrise and the two hours preceding sunset.
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However, the threat of dengue diminishes when temperatures drop below 16°C. Authorities have called on stakeholders, including the National Health Agency and dengue control centers, to take proactive measures to prevent the virus’s spread.
In Rawalpindi, dengue cases continue to surge, particularly in Chak Jalal Din, a hotspot for mosquito activity. Despite ongoing anti-dengue measures, the spread remains unchecked.
In the last 24 hours alone, 73 new dengue-positive cases were reported, raising the total number of patients receiving hospital treatment to 143.