LAHORE – The dengue outbreak in Punjab continues to escalate, with the provincial health department confirming 149 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections in the region this year to 3,285.
This alarming surge follows a particularly concerning week, during which 997 new cases were reported across the province. Rawalpindi remains the hardest hit, registering 134 cases over the past week alone. Meanwhile, Bahawalpur reported three new infections, Lahore logged two, and districts like Sheikhupura, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Attock, Kasur, Mianwali, Khanewal, Nankana Sahib, and Narowal each confirmed one case.
The rising number of cases prompted the Punjab government to declare a health emergency in Rawalpindi last week, following a single-day spike of 103 new cases. This declaration heightened concerns of a larger outbreak across the province.
In response, the Punjab health minister announced the formation of a district emergency response committee in Rawalpindi. The committee, composed of national and provincial lawmakers, is tasked with overseeing the anti-dengue campaign and coordinating efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Health officials have also issued public advisories, urging citizens to ensure their surroundings remain clean and free of stagnant water, which can serve as breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“A heightened sense of public vigilance and adherence to preventive measures is essential to control the dengue outbreak across Punjab,” a spokesperson for the health department emphasized.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the public is advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of infection.
