Islamabad: Pakistan’s health authorities have warned of a possible rise in dengue cases across the country following recent rains and the likelihood of further precipitation in the coming weeks, urging provincial governments to strengthen surveillance, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prepare hospitals for a potential increase in infections.
In an advisory issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH) through its Centre for Disease Control on Monday, provincial and district health departments have been directed to enhance monitoring of suspected dengue cases, promptly identify transmission hotspots and take coordinated preventive measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Health officials said dengue remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan, largely driven by the spread of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that breed in clean stagnant water commonly found in urban and semi urban environments.
The NIH warned that rainfall and increased humidity create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, increasing the likelihood of dengue transmission in densely populated areas where water accumulates in containers, construction sites, discarded tyres and poorly managed waste.
According to surveillance data compiled by health authorities, dengue infections have been rising in Pakistan in recent years. Around 21,016 cases were reported nationwide in 2023, increasing to 24,182 cases in 2024, while laboratory confirmed infections reached 33,394 in 2025, indicating a growing disease burden.
Public health experts say the circulation of four dengue virus serotypes in Pakistan has increased the risk of repeated infections and severe disease, including dengue haemorrhagic fever, particularly among individuals previously infected with another strain of the virus.
The NIH noted that dengue transmission in Pakistan typically peaks during the monsoon and post monsoon seasons, although sporadic cases are reported throughout the year. Rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management and climate variability are among the key factors contributing to the persistence and spread of the disease.
To reduce the risk of outbreaks, the advisory has directed health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance systems by ensuring early detection of suspected cases and immediate reporting through established national surveillance channels.
Provincial and district administrations have also been asked to intensify vector surveillance and integrated mosquito control measures. These include the elimination of mosquito breeding sites through regular emptying and cleaning of domestic water storage containers, water coolers, tanks and other places where stagnant water accumulates.
Authorities have been advised to conduct intensive inspections in high risk locations such as schools, hospitals, construction sites, tyre shops and junkyards, where mosquito breeding is often common.
Mechanical elimination of breeding sites has been recommended as the primary control strategy, while the use of larvicides and other chemical interventions should be limited to situations where removal of breeding sites is not feasible. Fogging and indoor residual spraying may be conducted in areas where confirmed cases are reported.
The NIH has also emphasized the importance of community awareness and public participation in dengue prevention. Health authorities have been urged to use print, electronic and social media to educate people about mosquito control measures and the early warning signs of dengue infection.
People have been advised to adopt personal protection measures such as wearing long sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellents, installing mesh screens on windows and sleeping under mosquito nets in areas where mosquito density is high.
Hospitals across the country have also been instructed to ensure preparedness for dengue patients by allocating special beds or isolation wards, maintaining adequate medical supplies and ensuring that healthcare staff are trained to manage dengue cases.
Medical experts say there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever and patient care mainly focuses on supportive management, including fever control, adequate hydration and close monitoring of complications.
Doctors are advised to use paracetamol for fever and pain while avoiding medicines such as aspirin and other anti inflammatory drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding in dengue patients.
Health authorities have also highlighted several warning signs that require urgent medical attention, including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, sudden drop in body temperature, lethargy and dangerously low platelet counts.
Officials say that with early diagnosis and proper medical care, dengue related deaths can be minimized and the case fatality rate can be kept below one percent.
The NIH has called for coordinated action among health departments, local governments, environmental authorities, water and sanitation agencies and other institutions to prevent dengue outbreaks through integrated mosquito control and community mobilization.
Public health experts warn that without sustained preventive measures and strong surveillance systems, dengue could again surge during the upcoming monsoon season, particularly in large urban centres where mosquito breeding conditions remain favourable.
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