Dengue fever is on the rise in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and the numbers are concerning. In just the last day, 43 new cases were reported, bringing the total for this season to a staggering 3,917, according to provincial health officials.
The city of Lahore, the provincial capital, is particularly affected, with 15 new infections bringing its total to 708. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir is warning of a potential surge in cases this year. He’s urging citizens to take precautions like fumigating their homes and using mosquito repellent.
The government has ramped up its efforts to control the spread, including intensified dengue surveillance and the urgent destruction of mosquito larvae.
But here’s where it gets critical: The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a high-risk dengue alert from September 20th to early December. They cited the favorable weather conditions and widespread flooding as factors that could accelerate the spread of the disease. This is a recurring problem, as dengue typically intensifies after the monsoon season.
What do you think? Are the current measures enough to combat the potential surge, or should more be done? Share your thoughts in the comments!