The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert, highlighting a significant rise in dengue fever cases over the past decade. The disease is expected to pose a serious health threat during the post-monsoon season, which runs from September 20 to December 5, particularly under favorable environmental conditions.
According to the PMD, dengue transmission is most likely when temperatures range from 26-29°C and humidity levels are around 60%. Furthermore, rainfall exceeding 27mm with a maximum lag of three weeks has been identified as conducive to the outbreak.
The active times for dengue transmission are noted to be two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, with breeding activity ceasing when temperatures drop below 16°C.
According to recent analyses of climate data, the conditions for a dengue outbreak have become favorable since mid-September 2024. The PMD has predicted that outbreaks may occur in October 2024, especially in major urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, and Multan, as well as in areas affected by post-monsoon rainfall.
In light of these predictions, the PMD has urged all stakeholders to implement preemptive measures to combat the dengue threat. Moreover, national health agencies and dengue control centers have been encouraged to stay informed and updated through the PMD’s official website at www.pmd.gov.pk.