GILGIT: Over the past three weeks, at least 100 cases of dengue have emerged in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to local health officials.
The surge has prompted increased medical vigilance in the region as healthcare professionals strive to manage the outbreak effectively.
Speaking to HUM News English, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Regional Headquarters Hospital in Chilas Abdur Rauf reported that 4 to 5 dengue cases were being registered daily at the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD). While the majority of these cases exhibit mild symptoms, with patients being sent home following preliminary examinations, six patients have required hospitalization. “All admitted patients are currently stable and receiving appropriate care,” the PRO said.
Also read: IHC justice tests positive for dengue days before Bushra Bibi’s bail hearing
The PRO also noted that the actual number of dengue cases might be higher, as many individuals with mild symptoms do not seek formal admission and manage their condition at home. He emphasized that no deaths have been reported so far, providing some relief to the concerned community.
In response to the outbreak, a meeting was convened at the Regional Headquarters Hospital under the leadership of Medical Superintendent Dr. Abdul Ahad. The meeting, attended by medical specialist Dr. Tanveer Ullah Shumali and other hospital staff, focused on strategies to control the spread of dengue and to ensure the provision of comprehensive medical care to those affected.
During the meeting, Dr. Tanveer Ullah provided an update on the situation, stating, “Currently, there are six dengue patients admitted at Chilas Hospital, including four males and two females. Fortunately, none of the patients are exhibiting life-threatening symptoms, and their conditions remain stable.”
Medical Superintendent Dr. Abdul Ahad directed the immediate establishment of two functional dengue isolation wards within the hospital. These wards are intended to accommodate patients who require specialized care, thus ensuring a controlled environment for treating the disease. Dr. Ahad has also instructed hospital staff to guarantee the timely availability of all necessary laboratory tests for dengue diagnosis, aiming to expedite the identification and management of new cases