The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a warning on Thursday, with a forecast of potential dengue outbreak in month of October, as ideal conditions for the disease have emerged. The department said that dengue may see a significant rise in October, particularly in ten major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, and Multan. The other regions affected by post-monsoon rainfall are also at risk. Over the past decade, dengue fever has severely impacted the health of population, particularly during the post-monsoon season. The period from September 20 to December 05 has become increasingly dangerous for dengue spread, with environmental factors playing a significant role.

According to the PMD, dengue transmission is triggered when temperatures remain between 26 C and 29C for three to five weeks, with humidity levels of around 60 percent. Similarly, rainfall exceeding 27mm, combined with a time lag of up to three weeks, further increases the risk. The disease-carrying mosquitoes are most active two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, with breeding coming to a halt only when temperatures drop below 16 C. Based on a detailed analysis of historical data and the current climate outlook, the PMD experts have warned that conditions have become highly conducive to dengue onset since mid-September.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan