{
  "id": 6380215,
  "title": "Dengue cases in Pakistan rose by over 3,000pc in 11 years: study",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/dengue-cases-in-pakistan-rose-by-over-3-000pc-in-11-years-study",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-09T03:04:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2028511/dengue-cases-in-pakistan-rose-by-over-3000pc-in-11-years-study"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan experienced a staggering 3,000 percent rise in dengue cases between 2012 and 2022, according to a new study led by the Aga Khan University, revealing the mosquito-borne viral infection has become a far more pressing public health concern. Conducted in collaboration with national and international partners, the research published in the journal PLOS ONE provides the most comprehensive national estimates of dengue incidence during the 11-year period, far surpassing official surveillance figures.\n\nThe study estimates that dengue cases in Pakistan surged from around 100,000 in 2012 to an estimated 3.28 million in 2022, demonstrating the disease's rapidly growing burden. Dr Erum Khan, chair of pathology & laboratory medicine at AKU, highlighted the innovative approach of incorporating routinely collected clinical laboratory data from three nationwide diagnostic laboratory networks to accurately estimate dengue incidence.\n\nGeographic disparities were pronounced across the country, with Sindh emerging as the highest-burden hotspot in 2022, accounting for an estimated 2.63 million cases and a rate of 45.63 cases per 1,000 population, predominantly affecting adults aged 15-49. Conversely, Balochistan recorded the lowest incidence rates of 0.44 cases per 100,000 individuals, corresponding to approximately 6,785 cases.\n\nAcross all age groups, incidence increased, with the 15-49 age group experiencing the most marked surge. Karachi East district reported the highest estimated incidence, underscoring the need for targeted public health action. Lead author Dr Zarmeen Nasim emphasized that dengue is no longer a seasonal threat, pointing out that while cases continue to surge during post-monsoon months, year-round transmission is evident, with increasingly larger outbreaks over time.\n\nThe findings highlight the urgent requirement to bolster surveillance, prioritize high-risk districts, enhance environmental control measures, invest in sustainable multimodal prevention strategies, and expand awareness and training for healthcare professionals on best practices for managing dengue fever.",
  "summary": "• Sindh saw highest disease burden in 2022, AKU research finds • Cases grew from 100,000 in 2012 to 3.28m in 2022 • Lead author Dr Zarmeen says dengue is no longer just a seasonal threat KARACHI: Pakistan saw over 3,000 per cent increase in dengue cases from 2012 to 2022, a new study shows, indicating that the mosquito-borne viral infection poses a greater public health challenge in the country…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}