ICT admin inspects 4,240 dengue hotspots, 51 arrested for SOP violations

ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on dengue prevention and examined surveillance data, hotspot inspections, and enforcement measures across the federal capital.

Officials reported that 4,240 hotspots were inspected in urban and rural areas, while 51 people were arrested and three locations sealed for violating dengue-related standard operating procedures (SOPs). The meeting also noted that no dengue patient is currently under treatment in Islamabad hospitals.

The meeting brought together officers from the district administration and the health department to assess the dengue situation in the federal capital and review ongoing prevention efforts.

Officials presented a detailed overview of dengue-related data and compared the situation in Islamabad with other major cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. The comparison was aimed at evaluating trends and identifying areas requiring continued monitoring and preventive action.

During the session, participants reviewed indoor and outdoor vector surveillance statistics collected between July 3 and July 13. The data provided an assessment of mosquito breeding activity and highlighted areas where preventive measures were being implemented.

According to the report presented at the meeting, inspection teams visited 2,575 hotspots in urban areas and 1,665 hotspots in rural areas, bringing the total number of inspected locations to 4,240. These inspections were carried out to identify potential breeding sites and ensure compliance with dengue prevention guidelines.

The report further stated that during outdoor surveillance activities, larvae were detected at 944 locations, while 63 locations were reported clear of larvae. Authorities said the findings would help direct future operations and strengthen monitoring in affected areas.

The meeting also reviewed enforcement actions taken against violations of dengue SOPs. Officials informed participants that 51 individuals were arrested for failing to comply with preventive measures, while three locations were sealed following violations. The district administration said such actions would continue to ensure adherence to public health regulations.

A key point highlighted during the meeting was that no dengue patient is currently receiving treatment in hospitals across Islamabad. Officials described this as an encouraging indicator but stressed that preventive efforts must continue to avoid any increase in cases during the ongoing season.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad directed departments concerned to intensify public awareness campaigns. He emphasized the need to educate residents about eliminating mosquito breeding sites and following preventive measures at homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed authorities to take strict action against factors contributing to the spread of dengue and ensure effective implementation of SOPs across the city. He called on citizens to cooperate with government departments and follow health guidelines to help keep dengue cases under control.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain surveillance, continue inspections, and strengthen coordination between the district administration and health authorities to prevent the spread of dengue in the federal capital.