Islamabad, Sep 26: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert, signaling a notable increase in dengue fever cases over the past decade. With the post-monsoon season approaching, from September 20 to December 5, the disease is expected to pose a serious health threat, particularly in favorable environmental conditions.
Favorable Conditions for Dengue Transmission
The PMD indicates that dengue transmission is most likely to occur under the following conditions:
- Temperatures: Ranging from 26-29°C.
- Humidity Levels: Approximately 60%.
- Rainfall: Amounts exceeding 27mm within a maximum lag of three weeks are conducive to outbreaks.
Additionally, the prime times for dengue transmission are identified as two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, with breeding activity halting when temperatures drop below 16°C.
Predictions for Outbreaks
Recent climate data analyses have shown that conditions for a dengue outbreak have become favorable since mid-September 2024. The PMD predicts that outbreaks may occur in October 2024, particularly in major urban centers, including:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Peshawar
- Rawalpindi
- Islamabad
- Hyderabad
- Faisalabad
- Sialkot
- Larkana
- Multan
Areas impacted by post-monsoon rainfall are also at heightened risk.
Call to Action
In response to these predictions, the PMD has urged all stakeholders to implement preemptive measures to combat the dengue threat. National health agencies and dengue control centers are encouraged to remain informed and updated through the PMD’s official website at www.pmd.gov.pk. Taking action now can help mitigate the potential impact of dengue outbreaks in the coming months.
