The dengue virus has reared its ugly head as the Rawalpindi city has witnessed a sharp rise in mosquito-borne diseases in the recent past.
District Health Officer and anti-dengue campaign in-charge Dr Zeeshan Ahmed said on Sunday that a sharp rise in the dengue fever cases had been reported in the city as the total number of the patients had reached to 27.
He said that around 1,240 dengue fever suspects have so far been brought to the allied hospitals, and of them, 137 cases were probable and 27 were tested dengue positive.
“The dengue positive patients are being provided the required treatment,” he said.
At present, he said, three patients were admitted to the Holy Family Hospital. He said that one of them had been brought from Islamabad while two from the cantonment area.
Dr Zeeshan said that September was critical for the dengue spread, therefore, all departments will remain fully alert to cope with any situation. “The rains in August and the declining temperatures have increased the threat of dengue spread in Rawalpindi as it is a sensitive area regarding the spread of such widespread diseases,” he said.
He said that teams were visiting various areas and utilizing all resources to contain the spread of killing virus.
The DHO said that fogging and surveillance has been enhanced in the areas from where patients were being brought to hospitals while the anti-dengue spray is also being carried out at bus terminals. He advised the residents to use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents as precautionary measures. “Dengue is under control in Rawalpindi and the health department is on high alert to cope with any situation,” he said.
He urged the residents to keep an eye on junkyards, puddles and construction sites which lead to the breeding of the dengue larvae.
