Punjab province continues to grapple with a severe dengue outbreak, as 215 new cases were recorded on Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 10,758 this year. Lahore remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 4,675 cases reported so far. Rawalpindi follows with 2,414 cases, Multan with 1,069 cases, Faisalabad with 518 cases, and Gujranwala with 969 cases. The Punjab Health Department has issued an urgent appeal to citizens, urging them to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of dengue fever. These measures include maintaining clean and dry surroundings, eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed, and using mosquito repellents.

The department also called for cooperation with health department teams that are working tirelessly to combat the outbreak. These teams are conducting fumigation and anti-larval operations in affected areas. A free helpline, 1033, is available to provide information on dengue fever, treatment options, and complaint registration. The alarming spread of dengue in Punjab underscores the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures. By adhering to preventive measures and cooperating with health authorities, the community can play a crucial role in containing the outbreak.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)