The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Dengue Fever Alert, warning that ten major cities in Pakistan could experience a dengue outbreak in October, 2024. The PMD urged all stakeholders, including health officials and local authorities, to take immediate preventive measures to mitigate the potential outbreak.
Dengue, a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, poses a significant public health risk in Pakistan. As of now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue, making awareness and prevention critical.
Likely Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever Alert includes an emphasis on recognizing symptoms early, which is vital in managing the disease. Dengue fever symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain behind the eyes
- Skin rash
These symptoms usually last for about a week, but in some cases, severe dengue can develop, leading to complications such as internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be fatal if untreated.
Preventive Measures Against Dengue
To combat the potential outbreak, the Dengue Fever Alert urges both local governments and citizens to adopt preventive measures. Here are some key steps to reduce the risk of infection:
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as flower pots, water containers, and gutters.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET and wear long-sleeved clothing, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours.
- Install window screens and use bed nets, especially for children and the elderly.
- Ensure proper garbage disposal to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
- Stay indoors during early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.
The Dengue Fever Alert also calls on health agencies to coordinate closely with dengue control centers and continuously monitor the PMD’s updates on weather conditions that could accelerate mosquito breeding.
Major Cities at Risk for Dengue Outbreak
According to the Dengue Fever Alert, the ten cities in Pakistan most likely to experience outbreaks in October include:
- Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, Multan
These cities are particularly vulnerable due to favorable environmental conditions for mosquito breeding, especially following the post-monsoon season from September to December. The PMD has recommended vigilant monitoring during these months, especially during peak mosquito activity hours, which occur two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset.
Rising Dengue Cases Worldwide
The Dengue Fever Alert comes at a time when dengue cases are surging globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 7 million cases were reported in the Americas by April 2024, exceeding the previous year’s total of 4.6 million cases. Climate change is contributing to the wider spread of mosquitoes and the dengue virus, making it a persistent threat to global public health.
Also Read: Monkeypox in Pakistan: Symptoms and Govt Measures
Pakistan has a history of dengue outbreaks, with 79,007 confirmed cases and 149 deaths reported in 2022, following severe flooding. Although 2023 saw a slight decrease with 3,019 suspected cases and eight deaths, the Dengue Fever Alert highlights the importance of vigilance, especially as climatic conditions create an environment conducive to mosquito breeding.
