Mardan reports 324 confirmed dengue cases

MARDAN: The number of confirmed dengue cases in Mardan has reached 324 of whom 18 patients were admitted to various hospitals in the district.

The dengue situation has worsened as the virus continued to spread rapidly across the district, where the virus has so far claimed two lives.According to the Health Department sources, the total numberof confirmed dengue cases in Mardan had reached 324, noting that 18 patients were under treatment at various hospitals.

The sources said that 6,209 suspected cases were reported in different hospitals across the district.The most affected areas included Daman Koh Takhtbhai, Jalala, Mata Katlang, Sharifabad, Shahi Bagh, Bari Cham, Bakat Ganj, and Gali Bagh, where health teams are struggling to contain the outbreak.

Sources said one of the deceased was Adnan, a resident of Sharifabad, while the other was Shahzad from Bakhshali. Both patients died at the Mardan Medical Complex. Health officials attributed the sharp rise in dengue cases this year to the failure to conduct timely anti-dengue spraying and poor sanitation conditions in the affected areas.

Experts warned that stagnant water and garbage accumulation created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, accelerating the spread of the virus.The rapid increase in dengue cases created fear and panic among residents. Citizens expressed concern over the growing threat, especially in areas where no preventive measures such as fumigation or cleanliness drives were carried out.

Locals accused the district administration and health department of neglecting the worsening situation. They claimed that despite repeated appeals, authorities have failed to launch effective fumigation or sanitation campaigns, leaving many neighborhoods vulnerable to the mosquito-borne disease.

Residents warned that if immediate action was not taken, the situation could spiral out of control, urging the government to launch urgent measures to protect public health.When contacted, District Health Officer Dr Shoaib expressed serious concern over the growing number of cases, blaming a lack of coordination among government departments for the deteriorating situation.

He said that while the Health Department was actively working to control the outbreak, other departments failed to fulfill their responsibilities. “Conducting anti-dengue spray is the duty of the Tehsil Municipal Administration, but the TMA has not taken any effective action so far,” he said.

Dr Shoaib added that he had already reported the issue to the deputy commissioner, but no action had been taken. He warned that this negligence was contributing to the rapid increase in dengue cases across the district.