Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded its highest weekly increase in Dengue cases during the current season. The province reported 148 new infections in one week.

The latest increase has raised concerns among health authorities. A rapid response team has now been sent to Kohat to strengthen control measures.

According to the Directorate-General Health Services, KP has recorded 729 cases this season. The figures were compiled through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System.

Kohat reported the highest number of new infections during the latest week. The district recorded 71 cases during this period.

Kohat has also become the province’s most affected district this season. It has recorded 274 confirmed cases so far.

Peshawar previously had the highest number of cases. However, its total now stands at 241 cases.

Bannu has reported 72 cases during the current season. Meanwhile, Haripur has recorded 35 confirmed infections.

Dengue Cases Expected to Rise Through October

Health officials said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has entered the endemic phase of Dengue. Cases could continue increasing through October.

Monsoon rainfall can create stagnant water and additional mosquito breeding sites. Previous surveillance has identified Kohat and Peshawar as recurring hotspots.

The provincial health department has deployed a rapid response team to Kohat. The move aims to improve surveillance and prevent a larger outbreak.

Staff from the Public Health Reference Laboratory also joined the team. They reviewed existing control measures with district health authorities.

Officials identified stagnant water in vacated Afghan refugee camps as a major concern. The camps were previously occupied by Afghan nationals.

According to officials, stagnant water at these locations has created suitable conditions for mosquito breeding.

The health department had earlier asked the Kohat administration to level the affected areas. Authorities were also asked to remove puddles and standing water.

However, health officials said limited progress has been made on these measures.

Most recent infections have reportedly emerged from areas surrounding the camps. Authorities are spraying chemicals over stagnant water about every three weeks.

Officials consider chemical spraying a temporary measure. They said levelling the ground is necessary to address the problem in the longer term.

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Health authorities are continuing surveillance as Dengue infections rise across the province. Preventing mosquito breeding remains an important part of efforts to limit further transmission.