Stagnant water, poor drainage blamed as health authorities warn of worsening outbreak
Health warriors wage war against dengue, extending a shield of protection under the watchful eye of the Alkhidmat Foundation. Photo: PPI
LAHORE:
The dengue situation has taken a serious turn in Punjab, particularly in the flood-affected districts, as a sharp rise in cases has led the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a province-wide dengue alert.
Health officials warn that recent flooding, monsoon rains and changes in weather patterns 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 across 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 reported daily in flood-affected districts including Rawalpindi, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Multan, where dengue wards of several government hospitals are operating under pressure due to a constant influx of patients.
Health experts attribute the rise mainly to stagnant water accumulated after flooding and heavy rains, especially 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 cleaning and slow water disposal in flood-affected localities have doubled the threat of dengue transmission.
Last year, Punjab recorded approximately 5,405 dengue cases and 17 deaths.
Authorities fear that if the current pace continues, this year’s total could exceed last year’s numbers long before the peak dengue season ends. In the last 14 years, Punjab has reported more than 380,000 cases of dengue, 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 cleaning drives, remove stagnant water and accelerate mosquito control measures, including fumigation and fogging.
Dengue cases have been reported not only in the provincial capital but also in cities and towns across Punjab, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of preventive efforts.
However, residents and civil society representatives have criticized what they describe as a gap between official claims and ground realities.
Door-to-door spraying campaigns by the government have largely remained suspended for the past five years, while spraying is often carried out in limited locations, residents allege. 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 fumigation in more than 85,000 locations and fogging in 300 locations, detected dengue larvae in more than 60,000 locations, and registered more than 1,300 cases under the Dengue Law.
This year, focusing on flood and monsoon affected areas, fumigation has so far been carried out at over 50,000 locations, fogging at 150 locations, while larvae have been detected at over 40,000 locations. Legal action has also been taken against violators, and hundreds of them have been booked and arrested.
Residents of affected localities say the measures have yet to produce visible relief.
