Overview: A Proactive Push Against Dengue
A high-level meeting in Mirpur, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz, underscored the district’s intensified anti-dengue prevention measures. Attended by representatives from the Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and Agriculture Department, the session reviewed ongoing efforts to curb dengue outbreaks and protect residents of Mirpur in Ajk.
Key Updates from Health Officials
District Health Officer Dr. Fida Hussain Raja and Additional DHO (CDC) Dr. Nadeem Fazaldad provided a detailed briefing on progress. They highlighted that, thanks to coordinated efforts across departments, there have been no dengue-related deaths in Mirpur so far this season. This achievement reflects sustained monitoring, rapid response, and community cooperation.
Extensive Field Operations
The health department has mobilized 12 specialized teams to conduct daily fumigation, sanitation, and larval monitoring throughout the city. Since operations began, teams have inspected 12,386 residences and checked 42,991 containers for dengue larvae. These figures illustrate a rigorous approach to breaking the transmission cycle at the community level.
Current Case Situation
Public health officials reported 454 total dengue cases to date, with only six patients currently admitted to hospitals. The remaining patients are recovering at home, indicating effective clinical management and support from the health system. The emphasis now is on continuing surveillance to prevent new outbreaks and to maintain a dengue-free status in Mirpur.
Preventive Messaging and Public Cooperation
Dr. Fida Hussain stressed that dengue is a viral infection transmitted by a specific female mosquito. He warned that eliminating breeding sites is crucial and called for community participation to avoid common water-storing receptacles that become mosquito nurseries. Residents were urged to ensure there is no standing water in pots, bird feeders, open containers, discarded tires, or any other sites that can harbor larvae.
Administrative Directives and Next Steps
Deputy Commissioner Yasir Riaz directed all departments to maintain and expand fumigation efforts, with a focus on cleanliness in public spaces such as markets, parks, graveyards, and residential areas. He also mandated the repair of leaking pipelines and the removal of stagnant water to eliminate potential breeding grounds. The DC emphasized the importance of swift action at the local level and asked residents to adopt preventive habits beyond the current campaigns.
Guidance for Residents
Officials encouraged the public to take practical precautions: wear full-sleeved clothing during peak mosquito activity, use approved mosquito repellents, and sleep under nets when restless. Most importantly, they urged people to seek medical attention at the first sign of fever or dengue-like symptoms rather than self-medicating. Early detection and professional care remain integral to keeping Mirpur dengue-free this season.
Looking Ahead: Community Vigilance and Health Security
The health department affirmed that maintaining vigilance and fostering community participation are essential to sustaining a dengue-free Mirpur. With ongoing inspections, responsible practices, and adherence to public health guidance, the district aims to preserve its hard-won progress and protect residents from dengue-related risks.
