PESHAWAR – As temperatures continue to drop across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dengue cases have shown a noticeable decline — but health experts are urging the public and authorities not to mistake this seasonal slowdown for a true victory. They warn that unless preventive efforts are sustained throughout the year, Pakistan may face an even stronger resurgence of the virus next year.
Over the past week, the province recorded a drop from 23 daily infections to just six cases, with only one hospital admission. Health authorities confirm that 6,116 people have been infected with dengue this year, with four fatalities. While the reduction in numbers has brought temporary relief, specialists stress that this trend is largely weather-driven rather than the result of long-term solutions.
Experts highlight that dengue-carrying mosquitoes cannot survive in temperatures below 15°C, naturally causing case numbers to fall each winter. However, they warn this phase is misleading and short-lived. Come spring and monsoon season, the same challenges — stagnant water, uncovered containers, poor drainage, clogged streets, and frequent load-shedding leading to household water storage — create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Public health analysts in KP say that one of the biggest weaknesses in dengue control is the lack of consistent, year-round intervention. Spraying and fumigation, though widely visible, are often deployed reactively during peak outbreaks rather than proactively when mosquito populations are low. As a result, once warmer months return, the problem builds back up from scratch.
They emphasise the need for continuous vector control, improved municipal waste management, and active community participation, especially in urban centers like Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Nowshera which have reported recurring dengue surges in recent years. Officials further suggest that the government should strengthen coordination between hospitals, laboratories and local administration to ensure early detection and rapid response.
For households, simple measures such as safely covering stored water, clearing drains, and eliminating even small pools of standing water can drastically reduce mosquito breeding. Experts also recommend that public awareness campaigns run throughout the winter months — not only during outbreaks — so families remain vigilant.
Authorities caution that if preventive action is delayed until next year’s peak season, KP may once again find itself battling thousands of cases, overburdened hospitals, and avoidable fatalities.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.