Dengue Cases Rise Faster Than Last Year in Pindi

Rawalpindi’s Dengue Numbers Climb, Murree Not Far Behind

Rawalpindi’s dengue season has started earlier — and faster — than many expected. So far, 52 cases have been confirmed in the district. Same time last year? Just 38.

The District Health Authority isn’t taking it lightly. Field workers, sanitary patrols, and entomologists have been told in no uncertain terms: be on time, stay on-site, or face action.

Rawalpindi city accounts for 28 of this year’s cases. Murree — usually thought of as an escape from the plains’ health troubles — now has 22. That’s almost half the district total. Eight patients are in hospital, five more are being treated, and thankfully no deaths yet this year.

Since January, the anti-dengue drive has been in full swing. Officials say they’ve checked over 4.3 million homes, found larvae in more than a million of them, and destroyed nearly 68,000. Even so, inspectors still found breeding spots at two dozen locations. They’ve filed over 2,200 FIRs, sealed more than 1,200 buildings, and issued fines adding up to Rs4.1 million.

Fresh cases have turned up in Murree’s Phaguri, Potha Sharif, and Ghhel areas, and in Rawalpindi’s Eidgah, Satellite Town, Banni, and Gung Mandi. Smaller towns — Kahuta, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Kallar Syedan — aren’t immune either.

Health Authority Chief Dr. Ehsan Ghani says teams are now focusing on places where patients have already been reported. That means more sprays, more inspections, and more knocking on doors.

Experts warn that the mosquito life cycle is at a tricky stage. The larvae spotted earlier have grown into adults, and mornings and evenings are their prime biting hours.

Murree is shaping up to be a problem. Even with extra sanitary patrol workers, the hilly town has logged 24 confirmed cases this season. Heavy rains and poor drainage are giving mosquitoes the perfect playground.

Officials are asking residents to pitch in — empty water containers, cover tanks, wear full sleeves, use repellents, and sleep under nets. With the mosquito population now peaking, they say these small steps might keep a bad season from turning worse.

Published: August 13, 2025 | Updated: August 13, 2025