RAWALPINDI: Health officials in Rawalpindi have found dengue mosquito larvae at more than 42,000 locations during the ongoing anti-dengue campaign. The discovery has increased concerns about a possible rise in dengue cases during the current season.
Despite the large number of larvae found, authorities have reported only two confirmed dengue cases so far. Officials also said that no dengue patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Rawalpindi and cantonment areas.
Health teams screened 1,648 people for dengue symptoms. Among them, 1,584 people were listed as suspected cases. Doctors later confirmed that 62 people did not have dengue. The two patients who tested positive received treatment and were discharged after recovery.
To control the spread of dengue, 1,260 health teams carried out inspections across the district. The teams visited more than 2.64 million homes during the campaign. They found dengue larvae at 35,937 houses and immediately destroyed them.
The teams also checked nearly 900,000 outdoor locations. During these inspections, they discovered mosquito larvae at 6,263 sites. Workers removed and destroyed the larvae to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Authorities also took action against people who repeatedly ignored dengue prevention instructions. Officials registered 668 police cases against property owners where larvae continued to appear despite earlier warnings.
In addition, authorities sealed 113 buildings and issued 560 challans. They also imposed fines worth more than Rs1.78 million on those who failed to follow safety measures.
District Health Officer Dr Hafiz Jawad Zahid said anti-dengue activities continue every day across the district. He added that health teams are also educating residents about ways to stop mosquito breeding and prevent larvae from returning after removal.
Officials have urged residents to keep their homes and surroundings clean, remove standing water, and follow health guidelines to reduce the risk of dengue during the coming months.
