The district health office in Islamabad issued a concerning alert on August 8, urging immediate action to prevent a potential dengue outbreak as cases surge in the twin cities.
Dengue cases have reportedly surged at an alarming rate in recent days in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. In just five days, 23 patients were confirmed positive for dengue fever, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 71. The numbers have been steadily rising, indicating the urgency of tackling this issue effectively.
The prevailing monsoon conditions have created favorable breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vector responsible for transmitting dengue fever, the district health office said in a statement citing recent entomological reports.
“The combination of a warm and humid climate fosters an ideal environment for the proliferation of both the Aedes mosquito population and the dengue virus,” the district health officer Zaeem Zia said, adding that in light of these circumstances, “we earnestly urge every individual to play an active role” in dengue prevention and control.
Preventive Measures
The district health office emphasized the need for proactive engagement from the community to combat this threat.
- Identify potential mosquito breeding sites
The report the importance of inspecting the surroundings regularly to identify potential mosquito breeding sites, removing stagnant water and containers that could become breeding spots for Aedes mosquitoes.
“Keep drains and gutters free from debris and blockages to facilitate proper water flow and prevent water accumulation,” the health office said.
- Cover all water storage containers
Covering all water storage containers adequately to prevent mosquito access and using mosquito repellents on exposed skin during peak mosquito activity times were also advised as preventive measures.
- Collaborating with the Community to ensure safety
“Work collectively with neighbors to raise awareness and take collective action against potential breeding sites. Sharing knowledge and resources will enhance our collective efforts in dengue prevention,” the advisory added.
- Field surveillance
The report further said that field surveillance should be initiated to identify and tackle potential breeding sites, with ongoing efforts to control the spread of Aedes mosquitoes and reduce the risk of dengue transmission.
- Use Mosquito Repellents
The DHO suggested using approved mosquito repellents on exposed skin when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to reduce skin exposure to mosquitoes, decreasing the risk of mosquito bites.
Dengue Fever
Dengue, characterized by high-grade fever and joint and muscular aches, can turn into life-threatening hemorrhagic fever if not treated early. Although there is no specific treatment or vaccine, proper medical care and early detection can help reduce mortality rates.
Symptoms of Dengue
According to U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week. See a doctor immediately to ensure proper treatment for the disease.