KP reported fewer dengue cases this year: official

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department on Tuesday released data of dengue cases saying 20,566 suspected cases of dengue were reported in 2023.

After screening 19,013 cases, dengue was confirmed in 747 individuals in the province, said Secretary Health Mahmood Aslam Wazir.

Comparing with other provinces, he said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had reported the lowest number of dengue cases in the country.

Mahmood Aslam said no fatalities have been recorded due to dengue this year.

Compared to the 22,960 cases reported last year, the current figure of 747 cases indicates a significant 97pc reduction. These details were released in a statement from his office on Tuesday.

Mahmood Aslam said that despite limited resources and funding, civil defence and other line departments have demonstrated improved efficiency in tackling dengue.

Furthermore, he said that over 10 million homes were checked as part of the dengue prevention campaign.

Dengue larvicides were used in more than 9,000 homes where the presence of dengue larvae was confirmed. Additionally, the examination of over three million potential larval habitats took place.

Regarding awareness initiatives, the secretary health stated that Lady Health Visitors delivered over 200,000 awareness messages as part of the Dengue Awareness Campaign.

A total of 4,462 awareness sessions, including Dengue Awareness Walks and lectures were conducted. He also commended the religious leaders, divisional and district administrations and the health department employees for successfully limiting dengue cases to 747.