PMD issues dengue virus warning for October after monsoon rains

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday issued a nationwide alert warning about the spread of dengue fever in 10 major cities by October after monsoon rains. 

The dengue outbreak is expected to spread in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana and Multan, said the PMD in its statement. 

Dengue fever may also occur in areas affected by rains after monsoon, said the PMD, adding that the fever has badly affected the health of people across the country.

Moreover, the infection has been spreading since mid-September. The department also revealed that an increase in dengue virus was observed from September 20 to December 5 after the monsoon in 10 years.

The meteorological department said the vector-borne disease becomes active if the temperature is between 26°C to 29°C and it gets favourable environment when humidity is close to 60%.

"All stakeholders should take proactive measures to prevent the spread of dengue," the PMD said in its statement.

Pakistan, especially Punjab, has been gripped by dengue virus with hundreds of cases being reported on a weekly basis.

In response to the rising number of cases, the Health Department has issued an advisory urging the public to maintain clean and dry surroundings to prevent the spread of virus.