Mohammad Umar Bhat
Muzaffarabad – A gradual rise in dengue cases has been reported across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), prompting health authorities to sound the alarm and urge citizens to adopt precautionary measures to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.
According to official health department figures, hospitals in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, and other districts have begun receiving a steady flow of patients exhibiting dengue symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, and skin rashes. While the numbers remain within manageable limits, officials warn that the trend is upward and could worsen if preventive steps are not strictly followed.
The AJK Health Department has issued directives to all district administrations for intensified fumigation drives, elimination of stagnant water, and public awareness campaigns. Special teams have been deployed to identify dengue breeding hotspots, particularly in urban localities where uncovered water tanks, discarded tires, and open drains provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Speaking to reporters, an AJK Health Department spokesperson said, “The government is closely monitoring the situation. Citizens must cooperate by keeping their surroundings clean, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring that no stagnant water is left uncovered.” He further stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, urging people to visit hospitals immediately if symptoms appear rather than relying on self-medication.
Meanwhile, medical experts have warned that the outbreak could intensify with ongoing humid weather conditions, which are ideal for mosquito breeding. They emphasized community participation, noting that government measures alone will not be effective without public support.
Civil society organizations and local volunteers have also stepped forward, assisting municipal bodies in awareness campaigns and distribution of mosquito nets in flood-affected areas, where the risk of dengue spread is particularly high.
Public circles have appreciated the government’s proactive response but demanded that emergency wards in hospitals be strengthened with additional medical staff and diagnostic facilities to avoid overcrowding in case of a surge.
Officials reiterated that prevention remains the best tool against dengue, highlighting that simple steps such as covering water containers, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and regular fumigation can significantly reduce the spread of the disease.
If unchecked, health experts fear the outbreak could escalate into a full-scale epidemic in the coming weeks. The government, however, maintains that with timely precautions and collective efforts, the spread of dengue can be contained.
