Is the Dengue Outbreak in Panjgur a Cause for Alarm?
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Synopsis
The dengue outbreak in Panjgur, Pakistan, poses a serious health threat as the number of infected individuals rises. Local leaders demand immediate action and improved healthcare facilities to combat the spread of the virus, while communities rally for emergency measures. Will the authorities respond in time to safeguard public health?
Key Takeaways
- Dengue outbreak in Panjgur is alarming local authorities and residents.
- Insufficient healthcare facilities are a significant concern.
- Calls for immediate fumigation and public awareness campaigns are growing.
- Reports indicate that individuals arriving from Karachi are testing positive.
- Chikungunya cases are also emerging, complicating the health crisis.
Islamabad, Oct 12 (NationPress) A dengue outbreak in Pakistan's Panjgur district has raised significant worries in recent weeks, with numerous men, women, and children reportedly contracting the virus, as indicated by local media on Sunday.
Lawmakers and residents are voicing alarm over the escalating situation, referring to what they characterize as "inadequate healthcare facilities" and "ineffective preventive measures" implemented by district health authorities, according to Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.
Reports indicate that several individuals arriving from Karachi have tested positive for the virus, which is now proliferating in various regions of the district, particularly in Khudabadan and Chitkan.
Local inhabitants assert that the authorities' failure to undertake fumigation campaigns and the absence of a dedicated dengue control unit have worsened the outbreak.
"Panjgur has a population of around one million, yet there is no effective system in place to combat dengue," noted a local social worker.
The social worker added that for years, anti-mosquito spray campaigns have been "symbolic at best -- limited to photo sessions rather than substantial action."
Rahmat Saleh Baloch, National Party leader and Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the Balochistan Assembly, has expressed deep concern regarding the situation.
He has urged the Balochistan government, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to deploy medical teams and implement emergency measures to control the outbreak.
Rahmat Saleh Baloch has called for the provincial health department to declare Panjgur a dengue-affected district and to initiate emergency actions, including fumigation, public awareness campaigns, and enhancement of medical facilities.
Furthermore, locals and civil society organizations have urged Provincial Assembly members Asadullah Baloch and Rahmat Saleh Baloch to bring this issue to the provincial assembly and ensure the establishment of a dengue treatment unit at Panjgur Hospital.
In a related development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department declared a 'Chikungunya outbreak zone' in Peshawar's Sufaid Dheri area after 16 cases of the mosquito-borne viral fever were identified in the region, according to Dawn.
These chikungunya cases were reported in areas with a high incidence of dengue, as indicated by the health department's statement.
It affirmed that effective measures are being implemented to contain the outbreak.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that the health and safety of citizens must take precedence. The challenges posed by the dengue outbreak in Panjgur should not be underestimated, and a coordinated response is necessary to ensure effective healthcare solutions are provided. The nation stands united in addressing this urgent public health issue.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the dengue outbreak in Panjgur?
The outbreak is attributed to the increased mosquito population and insufficient preventive measures by health authorities.
What measures are being called for to combat the outbreak?
Local leaders are urging for fumigation, public awareness campaigns, and improved healthcare facilities.
What areas are most affected by dengue in Panjgur?
Khudabadan and Chitkan have been identified as the primary areas affected by the outbreak.
How is the government responding to the outbreak?
There are calls for the provincial government to declare Panjgur a dengue-affected district and take emergency actions.
What other health concerns are being reported in the region?
A chikungunya outbreak has also been declared in Peshawar's Sufaid Dheri area, compounding health challenges in the region.
