ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government-run National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday issued a dengue prevention advisory after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned at least 10 Pakistani cities could face an outbreak in October. 

Over 21,000 dengue cases were reported in Pakistan last year while 8,909 cases have been reported so far this year, the NIH said. 

Dengue is an illness that spreads through vectors, carried by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is currently no cure or vaccine for dengue fever, which in its most severe form can lead to fatalities. People affected by dengue go through intense flu-like symptoms including high fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea and vomiting, typically persisting for approximately a week.

“It is imperative to work on prevention while staying vigilant for detection of cases and ensuring preparedness to launch response activities for curtailing the transmission of dengue fever,” the NIH said, urging the strengthening of disease surveillance and awareness campaigns by authorities and personal protection by members of the public. It also called on hospitals to improve preparedness. 

“Based on the analysis, the environment has become conducive from mid of September 2024 for dengue onset and it is predicted that it may outbreak in October 2024, particularly in ten major cities of Pakistan i.e., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana and Multan as well as in post monsoon rainfall affected areas of Pakistan,” the PMD said in an advisory last week. 

“It is advised to all stakeholders to take preemptive measures for the dengue outbreak in the districts. National Health agencies and Dengue control centers are advised to keep themselves updated on the PMD website.” 

The PMD said dengue outbreaks occurred in the post-monsoon season, which usually falls between Sept. 20 and Dec. 5 if conditions are favorable. It added that the active period for dengue attacks was two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, while breeding stopped once the temperature fell below 16°C. 

Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks.