The rising number of dengue cases has heightened concerns of a potential outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 53 new cases recently reported, bringing the total this year to 904.
Health officials fear an outbreak, particularly in Peshawar, where 244 cases have been reported—the highest in the province.
Currently, 17 dengue patients are hospitalized, but many cases go unreported as people seek treatment at local clinics, often run by unqualified practitioners. Peshawar shows signs reminiscent of 2017 when the city faced 20,000 cases and 60 deaths due to dengue.
According to official data, September alone saw 761 cases in the province, with 192 reported in Peshawar. There are now 357 active cases, while 547 patients have recovered.
The health department has admitted 127 cases to hospitals, and officials expect more hospitalizations as cases increase. The virus is spreading to 25 districts, with Abbottabad, Hangu, Mansehra, and Nowshera also reporting significant numbers.
Stagnant water from recent rains is a major breeding ground for mosquitoes spreading the disease.
Health authorities are working on prevention measures, but power outages have led residents to store water, creating more breeding sites. Officials urge strict implementation of the Dengue Action Plan to avoid a public health crisis.