ISLAMABAD: Urgent measures are required to prevent a dengue outbreak in the federal capital amid an alarming increase in the population of dengue larvae during the monsoon season, said the district health office, citing recent entomological reports.

According to Islamabad district health office, there was a risk of a “significant dengue outbreak if immediate and concerted action is not taken”.

The upsurge in Aedes larvae is exacerbated by the prevailing monsoon season, which creates numerous breeding grounds for “Aedes aegypti, the primary vector responsible for transmitting dengue fever”.

The climatic conditions associated with El Niño, such as elevated temperatures and increased humidity, have been linked to severe dengue epidemics, the office added.

“The combination of a warm and humid climate fosters an ideal environment for the proliferation of both the Aedes mosquito population and the dengue virus,” the district health office said, adding that in light of these circumstances, “we earnestly urge every individual to play an active role” in dengue prevention and control.

Health office points out alarming increase in larvae population

There is a need for regular inspection of surroundings for potential mosquito breeding sites, elimination of standing water, and stagnant containers where Aedes mosquitoes may lay their eggs, the health office said, adding that vigilance is crucial, especially during the monsoon season, to ensure eradication of potential breeding spots.

“Promptly tip and toss out any objects or containers that can accumulate rainwater,” the office said, adding that this proactive approach disrupts the mosquito life cycle by preventing their breeding.

“Keep drains and gutters free from debris and blockages to facilitate proper water flow and prevent water accumulation,” the health office said, adding that stagnant water in these areas can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes.

“Ensure that all water storage containers are properly covered to prevent mosquitoes from accessing them and laying eggs and use tight-fitting lids or screens to secure these containers,” the health office said.

It also urged people to use mosquito repellents on exposed skin when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

“Work collectively with neighbours to raise awareness and take collective action against potential breeding sites. Sharing knowledge and resources will enhance our collective efforts in dengue prevention,” the advisory added.

The health office said its teams were diligently conducting field surveillance to identify and address potential breeding sites and efforts to effectively mitigate the spread of Aedes mosquitoes and minimise the threat of dengue transmission were in full swing.

The most common symptoms of dengue are high-grade fever accompanied by joint and muscular aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for dengue but early detection and proper medical care can lower mortality. Otherwise, the disease may turn into a life-threatening haemorrhagic fever, which may lead to bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure.

Committee inspects schools

In order to implement anti-dengue measures in public and private colleges of Rawalpindi district, the sub-teams of the newly-formed District Inspection Committee by Deputy Director Colleges Rawalpindi Prof Amjad Iqbal Khattak inspected 33 institutions.

The sub-teams reviewed the preventative activities in the colleges in relation to anti-dengue measures. The teams inspected the water tanks, grass cutting, water coolers, dengue register and dengue help desk.

They also issued instructions regarding anti-dengue measures to the administration of the respective colleges.

In this regard, Amjad Iqbal Khatak said all colleges would be inspected to ensure anti-dengue measures were implemented and that he would review the performance of the committee as well.

The District Inspection Committee for implementation of SOPs and detection of dengue larvae in public and private colleges of the district was reconstituted by the deputy director colleges.

The committee will be submitting the inspection report of various colleges to the deputy director colleges on a daily basis.

— Ikram Junaidi & Aamir Yasin also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2023