Dengue Outbreak Worsens in Rawalpindi
226 Cases Reported in Chak Jalal Din
The dengue outbreak in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, continues to worsen, with a significant increase in cases. Potohar Town, especially Chak Jalal Din, is one of the hardest-hit areas. Health authorities have deployed a mobile health unit to Chak Jalal Din to help combat the virus.
In Chak Jalal Din alone, 226 individuals have tested positive for dengue fever, with 44 new cases confirmed in the last 24 hours. Despite ongoing anti-dengue campaigns, efforts to contain the spread of the dengue-carrying mosquito appear insufficient. The number of hospitalized patients with confirmed dengue cases has now reached 96, with the total number of cases across the district standing at 543.
Potohar Town has seen the most significant rise in new cases, recording 25 infections within the past 20 hours. Meanwhile, five cases have surfaced in municipal corporation areas, another five in Rawalpindi Cantonment, three in Chaklala, and two in the rural areas of Potohar.
Other Health Concerns
Other health issues also remain a concern in the region. This season, authorities have recorded two cases of Congo fever and 651 cases of malaria, although there have been no reports of monkeypox in the district to date.
Mobile Health Unit Efforts
At the mobile health unit set up in Chak Jalal Din, authorities conducted examinations on 71 patients. Among these, 67 patients underwent Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests, two had FT tests, three received Renal Function Tests (RFTs), and 14 were tested for their blood sugar levels.
Legal Actions
Authorities are taking legal action against individuals and businesses found responsible for creating breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. To date, 2,826 FIRs have been registered against violators. Additionally, 808 buildings have been sealed, 2,226 challans issued, and fines totaling PKR 14.49 million have been imposed for repeated breaches of regulations.
Public Advisory
Chief Executive of the District Health Authority, Asif Arbab Niazi, stated that the government’s response has been robust but urged citizens to remain vigilant. “The public must continue to take precautions until October 15,” he said, stressing the need to prevent stagnant water accumulation, keep windows and doors shut in the evening, wear long-sleeved clothing, and regularly use mosquito repellent.
Doubts Revealed
Dengue -: Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. It can make people very sick with high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes.
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is a city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It is known for its historical sites and is close to the capital city, Islamabad.
Chak Jalal Din -: Chak Jalal Din is a specific area or neighborhood within Rawalpindi. It’s like a small part of the city where people live.
Health authorities -: Health authorities are people or groups in charge of making sure everyone stays healthy. They work to stop diseases and help people get better when they are sick.
Mobile health unit -: A mobile health unit is like a small hospital on wheels. It can go to different places to help people who are sick, especially in emergencies.
Anti-dengue campaigns -: Anti-dengue campaigns are efforts to stop the spread of dengue. This can include spraying areas to kill mosquitoes and educating people on how to avoid mosquito bites.
Congo fever -: Congo fever is another disease spread by ticks, which are tiny bugs. It can cause high fever and bleeding, and it is very serious.
Malaria -: Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites. It can cause fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
Legal actions -: Legal actions are steps taken by the government or authorities to enforce laws. In this case, it means punishing people who let mosquitoes breed by making them pay fines.
PKR 14.49 million -: PKR stands for Pakistani Rupee, which is the money used in Pakistan. 14.49 million means 14,490,000 rupees, which is a lot of money.