ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, is witnessing an alarming surge in dengue infections, with 11 new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours, state media reported on Monday.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is currently no specific cure or vaccine for dengue fever.
In severe cases, the disease can be life-threatening. Infected individuals often experience intense flu-like symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, as well as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually last for about a week.
Dense populations in cities aggravate the spread of dengue fever, which is usually more common in the monsoon season from June to September.
Increasing temperatures and longer monsoons, both linked to climate change, have provided favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, driving the rapid increase in the virus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says dengue has emerged as the most widespread and rapidly increasing vector-borne disease in the world.
The Islamabad district administration conducted 365 inspections across Islamabad in the last 24 hours to identify mosquito larvae, state-run APP said. Three sites tested positive while 10 tested negative.
“The district administration of Islamabad has released its latest dengue surveillance report, confirming 11 new cases across different union councils in the last 24 hours,” APP said in a report.
The report stated that seven of the newly confirmed dengue cases were found in rural areas, while four were reported from urban locations. A spokesperson for the district administration noted that all areas where mosquito larvae were detected were promptly treated to prevent further breeding.
He also mentioned that enforcement measures were taken against violations of dengue prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs) throughout the capital. Magistrates and assistant commissioners conducted inspections of residential and commercial properties, checking for stagnant water and ensuring compliance with preventive guidelines.
“Several sites were sealed after violations were confirmed,” the report said. “In some cases, individuals were taken into custody for negligence in implementing dengue control measures.”
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon urged residents to eliminate stagnant water in and around their homes, workplaces, and surroundings, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
According to the report, inspections are underway in high-risk areas such as construction sites, junkyards, water storage facilities, and commercial establishments.
