The Possibility of a Severe Dengue Fever Outbreak in Rawalpindi
The region of Rawalpindi is currently at risk of a severe dengue fever outbreak due to the abundance of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector that causes the disease. This raises concerns for the coming months and calls for immediate action.
Data collected by ‘The News’ reveals that the number of mosquito larvae being found in various areas of Rawalpindi is alarmingly high. Despite the fact that vector surveillance is less effective this year compared to previous years, the number of larvae found is still significantly higher.
In 2022, the district health department checked over 2 million spots under vector surveillance, while in 2023, they checked over 2.3 million spots. However, this year, only 1.3 million spots have been monitored so far, indicating a decrease in surveillance efforts.
Despite the lower surveillance, the number of positive spots tested for dengue fever vectors in 2022 and 2023 was still higher compared to this year. In 2022, 2844 spots were found to have dengue fever vectors, and in 2023, 2552 spots were positive. As of April 27th this year, 3080 spots have tested positive.
Furthermore, the data shows that the district health department teams have checked fewer houses this year compared to previous years. In 2022, they checked 981,000 houses, and in 2023, they checked 959,225 houses. But this year, they have only checked 361,501 houses so far. Despite the lower house checks, the number of positive households is still higher than last year.
It is crucial to strengthen the vector surveillance system in order to prevent and control dengue fever outbreaks. An area with a weak surveillance system is more likely to experience a severe outbreak. The situation in Rawalpindi is particularly alarming because all the risk factors for dengue fever are present, including rains, rising temperatures, infected travelers, and heaps of garbage and rubbish dumps.
Already, four confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported in Rawalpindi district. The breeding season for dengue fever vectors is approaching, making it even more important to take precautionary measures.
Medical experts strongly recommend the destruction of mosquito breeding sites, both inside and outside homes. This is crucial for preventing an outbreak. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting the disease, as they carry the dengue virus from infected individuals to healthy individuals.
Typically, dengue fever vectors begin laying their eggs in May, and the mosquito population reaches its peak in July, August, and September. The egg-laying activity continues until November.
In order to avoid a dengue fever outbreak, it is essential for both government authorities and individuals to take precautionary measures seriously. By preventing mosquito breeding and controlling their growth, we can effectively prevent an outbreak. Let us all work together to protect ourselves and our communities from this potentially dangerous disease.
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