By Shaista
The provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, is currently facing a growing dengue threat, as the number of confirmed patients continues to rise. According to official health sources, 223 positive cases have been registered so far, while several other patients remain under treatment in various hospitals across the city. Health experts have warned that if weather conditions and public negligence persist, the number of infections could increase sharply in the coming weeks.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has reported a steady surge in dengue cases across the province, with Peshawar recording the highest numbers. In recent days, 51 new cases were reported within 24 hours, marking the highest single-day spike of the season.
According to official figures, there are currently 283 active dengue cases in the province 29 patients are hospitalized.
Experts believe that the rapid spread of dengue in Peshawar and adjoining areas is primarily due to standing water after rainfall, poor drainage systems, and public negligence.
Water accumulated in household containers, flower pots, discarded tires, and open drums provides ideal breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
A senior health official stated, “In several urban and semi-urban areas, dengue larvae were found in household containers. Without community cooperation, even large-scale fumigation drives cannot fully control the threat.”
In response to the alarming situation, the district administration has intensified its anti-dengue operations. Fumigation and larval surveillance teams have been deployed in areas including Faqirabad, Tehkal, Regi, Gulbahar, Cantonment, and Hayatabad.
The Health Department has also decided to establish High Dependency Units (HDUs) and activate special dengue wards in major hospitals to ensure timely treatment for severe cases.
With the technical support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the province is launching an Integrated Disease Surveillance Dashboard to monitor real-time case updates and enable swift responses in outbreak zones.
Doctors have urged residents to remain cautious and adopt preventive habits such as covering stored water, using mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and seeking medical help immediately in case of fever or body pain.
Awareness campaigns have also been initiated through mosques, schools, and local media channels to educate citizens about the risks associated with dengue and the importance of hygiene.
Health officials have appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness and cooperate with anti-dengue field teams during inspections and fumigation drives.
Medical experts warn that if proper preventive actions are not taken promptly, dengue could assume epidemic proportions in Peshawar.
Rapid urbanization, population congestion, poor drainage, and unplanned construction are providing ideal environments for the mosquito population to thrive.
Authorities emphasize the need for a joint strategy involving the district administration, municipal bodies, and community participation to effectively combat the outbreak.
The current dengue wave in Peshawar poses a serious public health challenge. While 174 positive cases may appear limited, experts caution that the actual number could be significantly higher due to underreporting and private hospital data gaps.
Health authorities must act swiftly and decisively to prevent the situation from turning into a widespread outbreak.
Only a collective effort combining public awareness, administrative action, and medical readiness can ensure that Peshawar avoids a potential health crisis in the coming days.
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