The KPK Health Department has urgently directed District Health Officers (DHOs) and Medical Superintendents (MS) to take swift action to prevent dengue outbreaks in the wake of the monsoon season.

The directives require all DHOs and MS across the province to implement preventive measures aimed at protecting the public from dengue, which has become a greater concern due to the heavy rains. The focus is on eliminating stagnant water pools through mechanical sweeping and covering or treating open water containers with larvicides to curb the spread of dengue.

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Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified, emphasizing self-prevention and educating people about dengue symptoms, urging them to seek medical attention if needed. Health centers are instructed to be fully equipped for case management and dengue surveillance.

Dr. Irshad Roghani, the provincial focal person for dengue control, explained that rainwater tends to collect in various locations, providing ideal breeding grounds for dengue larvae. Since this water is usually clean, it can quickly become infested with larvae, which then spread the virus. The recent accumulation of water across the province after the monsoon rains has prompted the issuance of these directives.

Dr. Roghani also noted ongoing efforts throughout the province to prevent dengue, including the identification and monitoring of larvae, awareness campaigns led by Lady Health Workers and health department teams, and immediate spraying in areas where larvae are detected.

It is important to note that only 86 dengue cases have been reported this year, the lowest in recorded history, including two cases in the last 24 hours. Of these, 77 patients have recovered, with only nine active cases remaining, and two patients currently hospitalized. Significantly, no deaths have been reported due to dengue this year.