In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, health authorities haveconfirmed that more than 100 individuals have contracted the dengue virusin the past week. This has prompted the implementation of preventivemeasures in all districts of the northwestern region.
Dengue, a disease transmitted through mosquito bites, can lead to severeoutcomes, even death. Those affected experience flu-like symptoms such ashigh fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomitingfor about a week. Health experts attribute the spread of the illness topoor hygiene conditions and the conducive environment provided by heavymonsoon rains, which allow dengue-carrying mosquitoes to thrive in stagnantwater.
Data from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department shows varying counts ofcases across different regions. Health authorities are taking steps toprevent the spread of the disease and provide comprehensive treatmentfacilities. Indoor residual spraying for dengue is also underway inaffected areas.
Pakistan is considered an endemic region for dengue, with ongoingtransmission year-round and seasonal surges. Mosquito populations peakafter the initial rainy season, while the highest infection rates occurseveral months later.
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Just a few months ago, KP’s health department reported 40 cases within aweek across the province.