The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert amid a significant rise in dengue fever cases across the country. Officials warn that the surge, which began in September, is expected to peak in October.

Major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Hyderabad, and Larkana are particularly vulnerable to the outbreak. The PMD noted that dengue mosquitoes are most active two hours after sunrise and before sunset. However, as temperatures drop below 16°C, the risk decreases.

Authorities have called on the National Health Agency and dengue control centers to take proactive steps to prevent further spread of the virus.

Rising Dengue Cases in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is witnessing a sharp rise in dengue cases, with Chak Jalal Din in Potohar Town identified as a major hotspot. Despite ongoing anti-dengue efforts, the virus continues to spread unchecked. In the last 24 hours, 73 new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of hospitalized dengue patients to 143.

Planned preventive measures, including coordination between the District Health Authority (DHA) and local administration, visits from Punjab government officials, and the deployment of 1,500 sanitary patrols, have so far failed to contain the outbreak.

Awareness campaigns, such as dengue awareness walks in schools and messages during Friday prayers, have also had limited impact.

Potohar Town remains the epicenter, with 850 cases reported so far, including 34 new cases in the past 20 hours. Other areas affected include Rawalpindi Cantonment (15 cases), Potohar Rural (5 cases), Gujar Khan (2 cases), Kallar Syedan (2 cases), and Taxila Cantt (2 cases).

Doctors have declared at least four patients in critical condition, and there have been 651 reported malaria cases this season, with two involving Congo fever. Authorities have issued 2,385 fines, totaling Rs160 million, in response to prior warnings about dengue larvae.