Surge in dengue cases plagues multiple cities in Punjab

ISLAMABAD: A concerning surge in dengue cases has been reported from multiple cities across Punjab, as health authorities report 67 new cases within the last 24 hours. Out of these 38 positive cases were reported in Lahore, seven in Islamabad, 15 in Rawalpindi, and six in Faisalabad.

Since the start of the year, Punjab has recorded a cumulative total of 1,042 confirmed dengue cases, spanning 36 districts. Out of these, Lahore accounts for 387 cases, 68 in Islamabad, 165 in Rawalpindi, 143 in Multan, and 88 in Faisalabad. Other districts have also experienced a worrying rise in cases, with Gujranwala, Nankana Sahib, Gujarat, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Khushab all reporting positive cases.

As per a statement by the Punjab Primary Health Department, 61 dengue patients are currently under treatment in hospitals across the province.

To combat the outbreak, a rigorous surveillance campaign has been initiated in Lahore, involving the thorough spraying of 9,359 households and locations with dengue insecticides.

The intensification of surveillance follows the tragic death of a citizen, allegedly attributed to dengue, in a private hospital within Lahore. However, the Dengue Expert Advisory Group (DEAG) has issued a statement contradicting the claim, asserting that the patient’s existing health conditions likely exacerbated due to dengue, culminating in the unfortunate fatality.