Islamabad, September 26, 2024 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue fever alert for several major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and other urban centers across the country.
The alert, released on Thursday, warns of the increased risk of dengue transmission as favorable conditions align, particularly in the post-monsoon season.
According to the PMD, dengue has posed a serious public health threat in Pakistan for over a decade, especially during the post-monsoon period, which spans from September 20 to December 5. The department emphasized that during this time, environmental conditions become ideal for the proliferation of the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito, with temperatures ranging between 26-29°C and humidity levels exceeding 60%.
“Dengue cases tend to surge when the temperature remains within this threshold for 3-5 consecutive weeks,” the PMD said, adding that rainfall of more than 27mm, with a time lag of three weeks, further exacerbates the risk. The most active transmission periods occur two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset when the mosquitoes are most likely to bite. However, the risk diminishes once the temperature drops below 16°C, which halts mosquito breeding.
PMD’s forecast is based on a detailed analysis of past trends, current weather patterns, and future climate outlooks, particularly the retreating monsoon rains. The department has identified a growing likelihood of a dengue outbreak beginning in mid-September and potentially peaking in October 2024. Major cities at risk include Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, and Multan, alongside other post-monsoon rainfall-affected areas.
Given the heightened risk, the PMD urged all relevant authorities and health stakeholders to implement preemptive measures. Local governments and health departments have been advised to activate dengue control centers and intensify efforts to combat the disease, including public awareness campaigns and preventive actions such as fumigation and mosquito control.
The PMD also encouraged national health agencies to regularly consult updates on the department’s website for real-time information. By staying informed and acting early, it is hoped that the worst impacts of the predicted outbreak can be mitigated.
Dengue fever remains a recurring health crisis in Pakistan, claiming thousands of lives over the years and placing immense strain on the healthcare system during peak transmission periods.
