Dengue Fever Spreads in Pakistan, Hospitals Face Capacity Strains

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan is experiencing a rise in dengue fever cases, with 127 patients currently under treatment and 12,941 patients visiting outpatient departments of government-run hospitals since the start of the season. According to the Rawalpindi Medical University, 41 new patients were admitted to dengue wards, and 1,128 were confirmed cases. Health experts are urging authorities to increase preventive measures, such as mosquito control programs, to combat the spread of the disease. The World Health Organisation notes that dengue fever affects over half of the global population, with forecasted epidemics reaching 100-400 million cases per year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has recorded 41 new dengue patients in government-run hospitals, with a total of 127 patients currently under treatment.
  • Since the start of the season, 12,941 patients have visited outpatient departments of the three hospitals, with 2,218 admitted to dengue wards and 1,128 confirmed cases.
  • Hospitals have arranged additional beds for emergencies, and treatment is being provided to patients from Islamabad and other districts.
  • The district hospitals in Jhelum, Chakwal, and Attock refer serious cases to Holy Family Hospital.
  • The Rawalpindi Medical University reports that 448 patients visited the outpatient departments of Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, of which 41 tested positive for dengue.
  • Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes and has been a recurring threat in Pakistan, especially during the monsoon season.
  • Health experts continue to urge authorities to increase preventive measures, including mosquito control programs, to combat the spread of the disease.
  • The World Health Organisation notes that dengue fever affects over half of the global population, with forecasted epidemics reaching 100-400 million cases per year.
  • The WHO emphasizes that prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control, and there is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue.

Statistics:

  • 41 new dengue patients in government-run hospitals on September 28 (ANI).
  • 127 patients currently under treatment for dengue fever (Dawn).
  • 12,941 patients have visited outpatient departments of the three hospitals since the start of the season (Rawalpindi Medical University).
  • 2,218 patients were admitted to dengue wards (Rawalpindi Medical University).
  • 1,128 patients were confirmed dengue cases (Rawalpindi Medical University).
  • 448 patients visited the outpatient departments of Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital (Rawalpindi Medical University).
  • 41 patients tested positive for dengue out of 448 (Rawalpindi Medical University).

Sources:

  • ANI (September 28)
  • Dawn
  • Rawalpindi Medical University
  • World Health Organisation (WHO)