RAWALPINDI: Dengue attacks have picked up pace as 130 new cases have been reported in Rawalpindi in the last 24 hours. Figures released by the health authority on Friday show that a total of 1,740 dengue patients have been diagnosed since January 2024. Hospital bed occupancy also reached 281 as 56 new patients were admitted to hospitals in one day. Pothohar Peri urban areas reported with 88 patients in the last 24 hours while 15 patients were reported from urban society and 12 were reported from Rawalpindi cantonment areas. The area of concern is Chak Jalal Din of Pothohar Peri-Urban area as most of the patients have been reported from this locality since the dengue outbreak this year. On the other hand, the health authority also intensified its surveillance, detection and awareness campaigns. Various local governments are undertaking several concurrent activities in a concerted effort to tackle the prevailing challenge. Rawalpindi Waste Management Company conducted an awareness walk and distributed leaflets containing preventive messages about dengue fever among the citizens. Rawalpindi Cantonment Board catalyzed its fogging and spraying campaign. RCB officials and field workers are also involved in taking action against dengue SOP violations. Various private schools have signed up to create awareness campaigns among students through classroom lectures. Students interacted with shopkeepers and street hackers on Friday to provide general information about dengue fever, its causes and treatment tips. Yasir Rahman, principal of AIMHS, led an awareness walk for students and teachers on the streets of Teach Bhatta and went door to door to create awareness. “On our part, we are playing our part by doing internal and external activities to fight dengue,” he said, stressing that the response of the people has remained positive. Amjad Zeb, Founder Principal of Anam School informed APP that they regularly conduct dengue lectures. “In addition to the lectures, we also organize weekly educational walks around the neighborhood to further increase the awareness of citizens,” he said. Zaheer ud Din Babar, a resident of RCB, said parents should monitor their home water pipes regularly and take preventive measures. The Punjab Health Department here on Friday confirmed the detection of 130 new dengue cases across the province, signaling a growing fear of the virus spreading. According to the spokesman, Rawalpindi remains the worst affected, reporting 114 cases, while Lahore and Attock have recorded seven and four cases respectively. Besides, two cases were detected in Gujranwala and Jehlum, with one case reported by Mandi Bahauddin. In the past week alone, 789 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of infections in Punjab to 2,247 in 2024. “The Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care has assured the public that all necessary measures have been taken to stop the epidemic. State hospitals are said to be fully stocked with drugs and treatment for dengue fever,” the spokeswoman added. The Department of Health has issued an advisory urging the public to keep their surroundings clean and dry to minimize the spread of the virus. The public’s cooperation has been essential as health teams across the province are actively working to control the situation. For further information, treatment or complaints, citizens are advised to use the free helpline (1033). Health officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus.
