Key Takeaways
- Islamabad's health department has identified more than 7,000 dengue hotspots.
- Breeding grounds include a garbage dump near the Mother and Child Health Centre and Children’s Hospital.
- Health experts urge urgent cleaning and larva-elimination steps to protect patients.
Islamabad’s district health department has identified over 7,000 dengue hotspots, marking the start of the dengue season in the city. These hotspots pose a significant risk to public health, particularly to women and children visiting hospitals.
A garbage dump outside the Mother and Child Health Centre and the Children’s Hospital at PIMS has become a breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. Old tyres, drums, and water-filled buckets have been found to contain larvae, creating a serious risk for those visiting the area.
Water has collected in several places near the waste heap in front of the MCH centre, while dengue larvae can clearly be seen in tyres, drums, and buckets. The poor sanitation situation outside both the Mother and Child Health Centre and the Children’s Hospital has exacerbated the problem.
Despite the start of dengue season, effective cleanliness measures and larva-elimination steps do not appear to be in place. Health experts warn that urgent action is needed to stop mosquito breeding and protect patients, especially mothers and children, who visit the hospital area daily.
The health department has called for immediate attention to these hotspots to prevent a potential outbreak. The presence of dengue larvae in these areas highlights the need for thorough cleaning and the implementation of preventive measures.
Health officials emphasize the importance of public awareness and community involvement in addressing the issue. They advise residents to report any stagnant water or breeding sites to the health department for prompt action.
The situation outside the Mother and Child Health Centre and the Children’s Hospital is particularly concerning due to the high volume of daily visitors. The risk of dengue transmission is significantly higher in such areas, where patients and their families are more vulnerable.
Health experts urge the public to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing. They also recommend regular cleaning of homes and surroundings to eliminate potential breeding sites.
