ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded a staggering 20,057 dengue fever cases this year, with 10 fatalities reported nationwide. These figures, released by the National Institute of Health (NIH), cover the period from January 1 to November 15, 2024.
An official from the NIH revealed that Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan have yet to provide their data, leaving the national count potentially incomplete. Among the provinces and territories that have submitted reports, Balochistan leads with 6,958 confirmed cases, while Punjab follows with 5,405 cases and eight deaths.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3,649 cases and two deaths were reported, while Islamabad registered 3,754 cases. Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported 245 cases, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas recorded 46 cases.
The growing number of cases highlights the need for a coordinated response to curb the spread of dengue, particularly in regions severely affected. Public health experts have called for enhanced vector control measures, community awareness programs, and improved healthcare access to mitigate the disease's impact.
The lack of data from Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan remains a concern, as it obscures the complete picture of dengue’s toll in Pakistan this year. Experts urge immediate action to ensure comprehensive reporting and effective nationwide containment strategies.