Rawalpindi Faces Rising Risk of Dengue Outbreak

Rawalpindi and Islamabad may soon grapple with a dengue outbreak, according to officials from the District Health Authority. Recent data reveals that 141 out of 189 union councils in the district have shown a high presence of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae, indicating a significant risk. The Breteau Index, which measures the likelihood of dengue transmission, has risen sharply over the past two months.

While 48 union councils had an index below three at the end of June, this number has now fallen to 74,392 houses with larvae. Health experts warn that the increasing mosquito population, particularly as the rainy season approaches, could exacerbate the risk of an outbreak. So far, six dengue cases have been confirmed in Rawalpindi.