KP Health Department Seeks Better Reporting of Dengue Cases to Strengthen Prevention Efforts
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department has expressed concern over incomplete reporting of dengue cases by some medical teaching institutions (MTIs), saying timely and accurate data is essential for improving disease surveillance and prevention efforts across the province.
According to official figures, KP has recorded 178 confirmed dengue cases so far this year. Peshawar has reported the highest number of infections with 96 cases, followed by Kohat (25), Bannu (9), while Mohmand and Karak have each reported five cases.
Timely Information Helps Control Disease Spread
Health officials say dengue cases have been reported in 17 districts of the province, although the overall situation remains relatively stable.
Authorities are encouraging hospitals, particularly medical teaching institutions, to provide complete patient information, including residential details where appropriate, to support contact tracing and mosquito control activities.
Officials believe that faster reporting would allow health teams to respond more effectively by identifying affected areas and implementing preventive measures before additional cases emerge.
Mosquito Surveillance Continues Across KP
The Health Department, through its disease surveillance programme, has continued inspections aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites.
According to official data, health workers have inspected more than 835,000 water containers and eliminated mosquito larvae wherever they were detected. Thousands of homes and outdoor locations have also been checked, with targeted treatment carried out in areas where breeding sites were identified.
These activities are part of the province’s ongoing dengue prevention strategy, which includes environmental management and vector control.
Public Awareness Campaigns Ongoing
Health authorities have also expanded community awareness efforts to educate residents about dengue prevention.
Thousands of awareness sessions have been conducted across the province, reaching large numbers of community members. Public awareness walks have also been organized in areas considered more vulnerable to dengue transmission.
Officials continue to advise people to remove standing water around homes, use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and seek medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, body aches, or skin rash develop.
Lessons From Previous Outbreaks
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced several dengue outbreaks over the past decade, with Peshawar historically reporting a significant share of cases.
Health experts say improved public awareness, stronger disease surveillance, and better clinical management have helped reduce the impact of recent outbreaks compared with previous years.
The Health Department says continued cooperation between public hospitals, private healthcare facilities, and medical teaching institutions will play an important role in preventing larger outbreaks and protecting public health during the current dengue season.
