Stagnant water and poor drainage blamed as health authorities warn of worsening epidemic
Health warriors are leading the war against dengue, deploying a shield of protection under the watchful eyes of the 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 officials warn that recent flooding, monsoon rains and climate change have created favorable conditions for the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
According to the Punjab health department, more than 3,500 confirmed cases of dengue have been reported in 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 mainly to stagnant water accumulated after floods and heavy rains, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
Southern Punjab districts, particularly Multan, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, are considered the 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 drainage of water in flood-hit localities have doubled the threat of dengue transmission.
Last year, Punjab recorded around 5,405 dengue cases and 17 deaths.
Officials fear that if the current pace continues, this year’s total could surpass last year’s figures well before the peak dengue season ends. Over the past 14 years, Punjab has reported more than 380,000 dengue cases, with more than 640 deaths, highlighting the persistent nature of the public health challenge.
In response, the PDMA has directed all district administrations to intensify cleanliness drives, remove stagnant water and expedite mosquito control measures, including spraying and fogging.
Dengue cases have been reported not only in the provincial capital but also in towns and villages across Punjab, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of prevention efforts.
However, residents and civil society representatives have criticized what they describe as a gap between official claims and realities on the ground.
Government-led door-to-door spraying campaigns have remained largely suspended over the past five years, while fogging is often carried out in limited locations, residents say. Many say they are forced to organize private spraying at their own expense to protect their families.
Official data shows that in 2024, authorities carried out spraying at more than 85,000 sites and fogging at 300 sites, detected dengue larvae in more than 60,000 sites and registered more than 1,300 cases under the Dengue Act.
This year, with a focus on flood and monsoon affected areas, spraying has so far been carried out at over 50,000 sites, fogging at 150 sites, while larvae have been detected at over 40,000 sites. Legal action has also been taken against offenders, with hundreds arrested and arrested.
Residents of affected localities say the measures have yet to bring visible relief.
