Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, is grappling with a surge in dengue cases, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of measures to combat the mosquito-borne disease. With 32 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of infections has risen to 518 this year, leaving residents and authorities on high alert.

The primary hotspots, Rawalpindi and Lahore, account for the majority of cases, with 23 and 6 new infections, respectively. Other affected districts, including Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Narowal, have also reported cases, indicating a widespread presence of the disease.

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, can cause severe flu-like symptoms, hemorrhaging, and even death. The recent surge has raised questions about the province’s preparedness to tackle the outbreak.

In response, the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has assured that all necessary preparations, including medicines and medical supplies, are in place at government hospitals across the province. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to prevent the spread of the disease.

“The government must take concrete steps to control the mosquito population, particularly in urban areas,” said Dr. Muhammad Sarfraz, an entomologist at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. “Fogging and spraying insecticides alone are not enough; we need a comprehensive approach to tackle the root cause of the problem.”

Residents, too, have a crucial role to play in preventing the spread of dengue. Simple measures such as removing standing water, using mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Punjab’s battle against dengue requires a collective effort from authorities, residents, and experts. Only through a coordinated approach can we hope to contain the spread of this deadly disease.

#DengueOutbreak #Punjab #PublicHealth #MosquitoBorneDisease #PreventionIsKey