Stagnant water, poor drainage to blame as health officials warn of worsening outbreak
Health warriors are waging war against dengue and spreading a shield of protection under the watchful eyes of Alkhidmat Foundation. Photo: PPI
LAHORE:
The dengue situation has taken a serious turn in Punjab, especially in flood-hit districts, as a sharp rise in cases has prompted the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a province-wide dengue alert.
Health authorities warn that recent floods, monsoon rains and changing weather patterns have created favorable conditions for the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
According to the Punjab Health Department, more than 3,500 confirmed dengue cases have been reported across the province so far in 2025.
Officials say the figure reflects a worrying trend and is significantly higher compared to the same period last year.
In recent days, dozens of new cases have been recorded daily in flood-hit districts including Rawalpindi, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Multan, where dengue wards in several government hospitals are operating under pressure due to a constant influx of patients.
Health experts attribute the increase primarily to stagnant water accumulated after floods and heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
The southern Punjab districts, particularly Multan, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, are considered most vulnerable as damaged drainage systems and sanitation problems have increased the risk of mosquito breeding.
A PDMA assessment warns that inadequate cleanliness and slow disposal of water in flood-affected localities has doubled the threat of dengue transmission.
Last year, Punjab recorded approximately 5,405 cases of dengue and 17 deaths.
Officials fear that if the current pace continues, this year’s total could exceed last year’s tally long before the dengue season ends. Over the past 14 years, Punjab has reported more than 380,000 dengue cases with over 640 deaths, underscoring the persistent nature of the public health challenge.
In response, the PDMA has directed all district administrations to intensify cleanliness campaigns, remove stagnant water and speed up mosquito control measures, including spraying and misting.
Dengue cases have been reported not only in the provincial capital but also in towns and cities across Punjab, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of prevention efforts.
However, residents and representatives of civil society have criticized what they describe as a gap between official claims and realities on the ground.
Government-run door-to-door spraying campaigns have remained largely suspended for the past five years, while misting is often carried out in limited locations, residents claim. Many say they are forced to arrange private spraying at their own expense to protect their families.
Official data shows that in 2024, authorities carried out spraying in more than 85,000 places and fogging in 300 places, detected dengue larvae in more than 60,000 places and registered more than 1,300 cases under the Dengue Act.
This year, focusing on flood and monsoon-affected areas, over 50,000 locations have been sprayed so far, 150 locations misted, while larvae have been detected at more than 40,000 locations. Legal action has also been initiated against offenders, with hundreds arrested and detained.
Residents from affected localities say the measures have yet to bring visible relief.
