Rawalpindi Dengue Prevention: Cases Reduced by 91%
Rawalpindi has recorded a dramatic reduction in dengue fever transmission during the 2026 epidemic season, achieving a 91.2 percent decrease in confirmed cases compared to the corresponding period last year.
Key Highlights:
- Six confirmed dengue cases reported since January, down from 68 during the same timeframe in 2025.
- Zero confirmed cases registered in August 2026, compared to 89 in August 2025.
- Over 4.13 million house visits covered by field containment operations, eliminating 107,661 larvae clusters across 100 percent of registered hotspots.
Vector Control Measures:
District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Jawad Zahid outlined the successful vector control measures:
- 1,400 active surveillance teams maintained weekly coverage across 17,859 registered hotspots.
- 44,543 larvae destroyed in August alone through targeted early-season vector suppression.
- 261 specialized teams inspected 101,325 homes and 33,670 high-risk spots during a 14-day sweeping drive.
Risk Stratification and Enforcement:
Out of 190 evaluated Union Councils (UCs), 35 fell into the critical risk band. Highest larval densities were identified in Morgah, Khana Dak, and Chaklala. Dr. Zahid reported 1,670 First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged, 440 premises sealed, 1,565 challans issued, and PKR 1,998,000 in fines.
Community Mobilization:
- 2,692 student volunteers designated as "Dengue Warriors" for weekly self-surveillance at public schools.
- Over 33,108 household inspection checklists verified by the administration.
- World Dengue Day campaigns involved distributing pamphlets, banners, and streamers, along with awareness walks.
Synchronized Framework:
A synchronized 'One City – One Fight' framework was established with Islamabad for joint larviciding and data sharing across shared corridors. 817 General Practitioners also received relevant training to enhance capacity building. A five-tier epidemic plan ensured hospitals increased dedicated bed capacity while maintaining essential supplies.