ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are on high alert as dengue cases see a sharp rise with each passing day, alarming health officials and the public alike.
In Islamabad, health authorities have reported 122 confirmed dengue cases, with 27 new infections recorded in just the last 24 hours. A breakdown of the cases reveals that 107 patients belong to rural areas, while 15 cases have been detected in urban sectors. Alarmingly, nearly 22% of the patients recently traveled to Murree, raising concerns about uncontrolled transmission routes.
Minister of State for Health, Mukhtar Bharath, visited the Islamabad District Health Office and directed officials to ramp up testing facilities, make ELISA tests available in all private hospitals and laboratories, and launch aggressive public awareness campaigns. He also stressed the importance of sharing timely patient data across all departments to enable a unified response to the outbreak.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the District Health Authority has confirmed 88 dengue cases, including 10 new cases in the last 24 hours. Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, in a meeting chaired alongside MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, announced a comprehensive action plan to curb the disease’s spread.
The action plan includes:
- Intensive cleaning and fumigation drives at the union council level.
- Surveillance operations to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Strict accountability measures for any officials found negligent in their duties.
Health authorities are also coordinating these efforts with the upcoming polio immunisation campaign, scheduled for September 1–4, ensuring that resources and outreach strategies address multiple health concerns simultaneously.
Experts have warned that if preventive measures are not strictly enforced, the number of cases could rise sharply during the ongoing monsoon season. Citizens are being urged to cover water containers, clear stagnant water, and cooperate with anti-dengue teams to help curb the spread.
As the situation grows tense, both cities brace for critical weeks ahead, with health departments racing against time to contain the outbreak before it escalates further.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.