Three More Dengue Patients Arrive at Holy Family Hospital as Rawalpindi Cases Rise

Three More Dengue Patients Arrive at Holy Family Hospital as Rawalpindi Cases Rise

Three more dengue patients have arrived at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in Rawalpindi, bringing the total number of dengue cases reported during the current season to 37, according to a report published by Dawn. The latest patients came from Adiala Road, Fauji Colony and Wah Cantonment as health authorities continue monitoring the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

The latest increase has raised concerns as dengue activity has accelerated in Rawalpindi following a relatively quiet period earlier in the season. According to the District Health Officer Preventive, Dr Jawad Zahid, no dengue patients were reported in the city during August. However, 27 cases were recorded in September, followed by a further increase during the first two days of October.

At Holy Family Hospital, 15 patients were admitted with suspected dengue. Of those, 12 had been confirmed to have dengue, while test results for three others were still awaited at the time of the report. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Butt said the number of patients was increasing, but the hospital had so far managed to accommodate them.

Health officials are also encouraging people experiencing symptoms associated with dengue to undergo testing. Patients visiting the outpatient department and emergency department with similar symptoms are being advised to get tested so that suspected cases can be identified and treated appropriately.

Meanwhile, Benazir Bhutto Hospital had not reported any confirmed dengue patient at the time of the report. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Sharjeel Sheikh said 42 beds had been allocated for the hospital's dengue ward, providing additional capacity should the number of cases increase.

Officials say that the dengue virus remains under control, despite the recent rise in reported cases. The increase has nevertheless prompted authorities to strengthen preventive measures across Rawalpindi.

The city's anti-dengue campaign includes extensive indoor and outdoor surveillance. According to the District Health Officer, approximately 1,400 teams have been formed to identify mosquito breeding sites and conduct surveillance activities across the garrison city.

Health teams have detected particularly high numbers of mosquito larvae in several locations, including Misrial Road, Afshan Colony and Allama Iqbal Colony in Rawalpindi Cantonment. Other areas where significant larval activity has been detected include Ratta Amral, Dhoke Naju, Naseerabad, Dhoke Babu Irfan, Gunjmandi, Hazara Colony, Dhoke Hassu and Takht Pari.

The rise in dengue cases highlights the importance of eliminating stagnant water, where mosquitoes can breed. Residents can also reduce exposure by using mosquito repellents, wearing clothing that covers the skin and taking steps to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

With dengue cases increasing after the end of August, health authorities are continuing surveillance and preventive operations throughout Rawalpindi. Officials are also urging people with symptoms that could indicate dengue to seek medical assessment and testing rather than ignoring them.

The latest figures show that dengue remains a public-health concern in the city, particularly as cases have increased rapidly since September. Continued surveillance, early testing and community participation in mosquito-control efforts will remain important as health officials work to contain further transmission.