Early dengue activity raises concern in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi has recorded early dengue activity, with larvae detected at 2,492 locations between January 1 and May 14. Authorities registered cases, sealed properties and imposed fines as concerns grew over off-season spread.

RAWALPINDI: Dengue fever has appeared earlier than usual this year in Rawalpindi, where health authorities have detected larvae in large numbers across all union councils and designated hotspot areas, raising concern within the Health Department.

According to the reported figures, dengue larvae were found at 2,492 locations in the district between January 1 and May 14, despite this being considered the off-season period for the disease. The findings indicate that dengue-related activity has begun well before the peak transmission months.

During the same period, action was taken against a large number of those held responsible for poor preventive arrangements. Criminal cases were registered against 314 individuals, while 66 properties were sealed. In addition, challans were issued to 403 property owners and 1,236 notices were served over inadequate arrangements and weak performance linked to anti-dengue measures.

A third-party survey also detected dengue larvae at 32 separate locations, adding to concerns over the spread of breeding sites in the district.

Officials also imposed financial penalties during the anti-dengue drive. The cumulative fines collected from those found responsible reached Rs1,004,500 during the period under review.

Operational concerns raised

The report also highlighted operational difficulties facing field teams in Rawalpindi district. Under the prescribed standard operating procedures and commitments, workers were again not provided official mobile phones and internet data packages this year for inspection, monitoring and field operations.

The absence of these facilities has been noted even as surveillance and enforcement activity continues across the district. The early emergence of larvae across union councils and hotspot areas has added urgency to the anti-dengue campaign, with the Health Department already responding through inspections, enforcement measures and penalties.

The reported data covers the period from the start of the year through May 14 and reflects both official field activity and findings from an independent third-party survey. The scale of detections during the off-season has triggered alarm within the department as authorities continue efforts to contain breeding sites before the high-risk season intensifies.