Dengue in Islamabad and Rawalpindi

What is Dengue?

Dengue, often known as “breakbone fever,” is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes
intense joint and muscle pain, leading to severe discomfort. Transmitted by the bite of an
infected Aedes mosquito, it presents with flu-like symptoms and can affect blood cells,
sometimes resulting in dangerously low platelet counts. Each year, millions of people are
affected by dengue worldwide. The disease is especially common in tropical and
subtropical regions, including Pakistan, and tends to spread rapidly during the rainy
season.

Dengue in Rawalpindi and Islamabad:

Dengue fever is a common health problem in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, particularly
during the monsoon season. These cities have the kind of environment where Aedes
mosquitoes can easily live and grow, which helps spread the dengue virus. Standing
water in open containers, drains, and construction sites helps mosquitoes increase in
number rapidly. Every year, many people in these areas develop the illness, which makes
them sick and sometimes causes serious health problems. Children, elderly people, and
those with weak immune systems are more at risk. It is important for locals to take
precautions to avoid mosquito bites and decrease mosquito breeding areas. Awareness
and preventive actions can help reduce the severity, risk, and spread of dengue in
Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

How Does Dengue Spread?

The dengue virus spreads from person to person, through the bites of infected female
mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become
carriers of the dengue virus after feeding on an already infected individual (who has the
dengue virus in his blood). Once infected, the mosquitoes then transmit the virus to a
healthy person in a subsequent bites. This results in widespread transmission,
particularly in densely populated areas where sanitation is inadequate. There is no
spread of the virus directly from person to person but requires the mosquito as a vector.

Seasonal Outbreak & Spread:

Dengue outbreaks are most frequent during and after the monsoon season, normally
from July to October. This happens because the increased rainfall during this time leads
to water accumulation in things like open pots, blocked drains, and construction areas,
creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to grow and multiply.

Common Symptoms of Dengue:

The symptoms of dengue may vary from person to person depending on factors like age,
Immunity, dengue virus type and general health.

Symptoms usually start 4–10 days after infection and common symptoms include:

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C).
• Severe headache
• Pain behind eyes
• Bone, joint and muscle pain
• Skin rash (typically emerges 2–5 days after the arrival of fever)
• Vomiting
• Fatigue, weakness and nausea

In severe cases, the disease can advance to Dengue Shock Syndrome, characterized by
severe abdominal pain, organ failure, feeling restlessness and bleeding from gums and
nose which may be life-threatening and demand for urgent medical care.

Causes & Risk Factors:

Here are some common causes of dengue:

• Bite of infected Aedes mosquito
• Lack of mosquito control in urban areas
• Low immunity or existing chronic disorders
• Monsoon or rainy weather
• Lack of Awareness
• Dirty surroundings, blocked drains and unmanaged garbage

Who is Most at Risk?

Infants and young children are more vulnerable to complications from dengue because
their immune systems are not fully developed.
Elderly patients, because of weaker immunity and particularly those suffering from
diabetes or heart disease, are at a significantly higher risk of severe complications and
fatality from dengue.
Young adults: Usually experience strong symptoms but recover quickly because of their
strong immunity.

Prevention Tips:

Here are some tips to prevent dengue

• Eliminate standing water around your home
• Use mosquito inhibitors and bed nets
• Minimizing opening of windows and doors
• Avoid visiting dengue-prone areas.
• Regularly clean water tanks, coolers, and flower pots
• Wear full-sleeve clothing at times when mosquitoes are most active (morning &
• evening).

Conclusion:

Dengue fever can be prevented if the right actions are taken on time. Public awareness, early detection, and mosquito control are key to minimizing its impact. By working together and staying careful, we can protect ourselves and stop dengue from spreading. For timely treatment and expert medical care, residents of Rawalpindi can rely on KidsCare International Hospital, Rawalpindi, which is committed to providing specialized healthcare for dengue and other infectious diseases.