RAWALPINDI:
A sharp rise in cases of flu and respiratory illnesses has been observed in Rawalpindi as intense cold grips the city, overwhelming health centers. Patients complain of cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Children and the elderly would be the groups most affected. Health experts attribute the increase to prevailing dry, cold conditions and lack of precipitation, which favor the spread of seasonal flu, coughs, fevers, chest irritations and respiratory problems.
The Rawalpindi District Health Authority continues to maintain rigorous surveillance for influenza A(H3), with constant and strict monitoring of cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI).
According to epidemiological data from health authorities, the overall situation remains completely under control. During the month of December, 22 suspected cases linked to serious respiratory illness were detected, of which only four were confirmed positive. All confirmed patients made a full recovery after treatment.
Under the Ministry of Health’s rapid response protocol, 18 close contacts were traced, with only one secondary case testing positive, indicating transmission remained limited.
