Dengue fever on the rise in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi: The spread of dengue fever is continuously on the rise in the district and the number of confirmed patients in town is increasing consistently as the allied hospitals tested at least seven more patients positive for the infection in last 24 hours taking tally to 128.

Data collected by ‘The News’ on Monday has revealed that Holy Family Hospital tested another six patients positive for dengue fever in last 24 hours while one more patient has been confirmed positive for dengue fever at Benazir Bhutto Hospital in last 24 hours.

Data reveals that within last one week only, the number of confirmed patients of dengue fever registered here at the allied hospitals have almost doubled taking the tally to 128. The total number of cases tested positive at the three allied hospital in town was 70 till September 6 this year.

According to details, the HFH received well over 600 patients at its Dengue outpatient department this year of which nearly 130 were suspected as patients of dengue fever. To date, a total of 92 patients have been confirmed positive at the HFH.

At BBH, over 200 patients reported at the dengue OPD of which some 100 patients were suspected as patients of dengue fever however so far, a total of 25 patients have been confirmed positive at the BBH while well over 50 have been tested negative.

The District Headquarters Hospital received the least number of patients at its dengue OPD as compared to other two teaching hospitals. Less than 50 patients have so far been reported at its OPD this year of which 12 were suspected and only 11 were tested positive.

It is important that Rawalpindi region is facing peak season for dengue fever transmission and the existing weather conditions are the most suitable for mosquitoes’ breeding and growth of larvae of aedes aegypti, the vector that causes dengue fever.

Health experts believe it is high time for individuals to take preventive measures more religiously if they want to avoid a massive outbreak of the infection.

‘The News’ has learnt that not less than 50 patients including confirmed and suspected ones are undergoing treatment at the three allied hospitals in town at present and the number is continuously on the rise that is alarming.