NIH issues dengue warning following rains

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an urgent warning about the risk of a dengue outbreak following recent rainfall across the country, particularly in Punjab, Balochistan, and northern Pakistan.

The advisory urges authorities and the public to take immediate preventive measures to curb mosquito breeding.

According to the NIH advisory, dengue thrives in warm and humid conditions, making post-rainfall periods a high-risk for virus transmission. 

The institute warned that Pakistan recorded 28,427 dengue cases in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year, and further infections could rise if precautions are not implemented.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and eye pain.

The NIH has advised people to use only paracetamol for fever management while avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs, as they increase the risk of bleeding.

Severe dengue cases, particularly when platelet counts drop below 10,000, require immediate hospitalisation, the advisory added.

The NIH has urged people to take strict mosquito control measures, including:

• Using mosquito nets and repellents
• Wearing full-sleeved clothing
• Eliminating stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding

Hospitals have also been directed to enhance laboratory facilities for dengue diagnosis. The NIH has stressed the need for public cooperation and timely medical consultation to prevent severe cases and fatalities.