NIH warns of dengue outbreak risk after recent rains in Pakistan

Islamabad: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a warning about the risk of a dengue outbreak following recent rains in Pakistan, especially in Punjab, Balochistan, and northern areas.

The advisory urges both authorities and the public to take quick action to prevent mosquito breeding.

The NIH explains that dengue spreads more easily in warm, humid conditions, which occur after rainfall. Last year, Pakistan recorded 28,427 dengue cases, a sharp increase from the previous year. If people don’t take precautions, the number of cases could rise even further.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and eye pain. The NIH advises people with fever to use paracetamol instead of aspirin or other painkillers, which can increase bleeding risk. In severe cases, when platelet counts fall below 10,000, immediate hospitalization is needed.

Hospitals have been asked to improve their facilities for diagnosing dengue. The NIH also urges the public to cooperate and seek medical help early to avoid serious cases and deaths.