ISLAMABAD: Authorities have detained more than 20 people for violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the spread of dengue virus in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, the local administration said on Sunday, amid a surge in dengue cases.

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 and in its most severe form, it can lead to fatalities.

Health authorities confirmed 29 new dengue cases in Islamabad, including 16 in rural settlements and 13 in urban areas. The Pakistani capital has reported more than 600 dengue cases this year.

The surge in dengue cases has prompted Islamabad authorities to spray insecticides and ensure cleanliness to avoid dengue larva breeding across the federal capital territory.

“A total of 23 people have been arrested over the breeding of [dengue] larvae,” the Islamabad administration said on Sunday, adding that insecticides have been sprayed at 1,132 houses and 2,111 locations under the anti-dengue campaign.

“The process of dengue larvae destruction and inspection will continue uninterrupted.”

Dengue fever is endemic to Pakistan, which experiences year-round transmission with seasonal peaks. This year’s first dengue-related death was reported in the country’s southern Sindh province on June 3.

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.

“Take special care of urban cleanliness and cooperate fully with the administration in the anti-dengue campaign,” the Islamabad administration said.