Two deaths reported in Diamer as dengue cases surge to 500

GILGIT: The Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan has reported two dengue-related deaths, with approximately 500 cases recorded at the Regional Headquarters Hospital (RHQ) in Chilas over the past two months.

In a statement to HUM News English, RHQ Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Shakoor Ahmed shared that nearly 200 of these patients required hospitalisation, while others were treated as outpatients. Dr. Ahmed noted that despite the high number of admissions, no dengue-related fatalities have occurred within the hospital itself.

However, he explained that some critical cases, requiring plasma transfusions or intensive care, have been referred to hospitals in Gilgit and Islamabad. Two patients, who needed platelet and plasma transfusions, succumbed to the disease after referral — one in Islamabad and one in Gilgit.

Dr. Ahmed acknowledged that the hospital lacks facilities for plasma and platelet transfusions.

He further explained that the deceased patients had suffered from severe complications, including platelet deficiency, heart issues, liver complications, and pneumonia.

Also read: Dengue cases on the rise in Diamer district

To manage the outbreak, Dr Ahmed detailed that the hospital has established two isolation wards, offers free IgG and IgM tests for dengue diagnosis, and provides mosquito nets and essential medications. The hospital’s three to four medical specialists are working around the clock to care for dengue patients.

Dr Ahmed dismissed speculation that blasting activities at the Diamer-Bhasha Dam site caused the dengue outbreak, clarifying that dengue is spread through mosquito bites and is unrelated to construction activities.

Despite resource constraints, Dr Ahmed assured that the hospital administration remains committed to serving the public, providing free testing and treatment for all dengue cases with the resources available.