Intensified Rains Catalyse Anti-Dengue Drive in Rawalpindi

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Responding to increased rainfall that has raised dengue mosquito breeding, the District Health Authority has accelerated dengue prevention efforts. Under the program, 655 male and 245 female sanitary patrol workers are being hired from various tehsils of Rawalpindi district.

Since January, only two confirmed dengue cases were reported in March. The CEO of the District Health Authority confirmed that 900 male and female workers are being temporarily recruited for three months to strengthen the workforce for the upcoming targeted anti-dengue drive.

District Health Authority Chief Dr. Asif Arbab Niazi said surveillance has been enhanced, with field teams intensifying larva detection and elimination activities. Indoor Residual Spraying is conducted wherever larvae are found, while fogging is carried out in areas with adult mosquitoes, as recommended by entomologists. 

He also informed that daily hotspots, including open plots and stagnant water areas, are being targeted with fast granules or liquid treatments to prevent larva development.

Special focus is being placed on underground water tanks, junkyards, tire shops, and graveyards to control mosquito breeding. He asserted that proactive measures will effectively curb dengue threats. “We aim to swiftly control the dengue surge and minimize its spread,” Dr. Asif added.