ISLAMABAD, Sep 26: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning on Thursday, predicting a potential dengue outbreak in October due to favourable conditions for the disease.
The department indicated that cases of dengue could significantly increase next month, especially in ten major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Larkana, and Multan.
Additionally, other areas affected by post-monsoon rainfall are also at risk, PMD said in the advisory.
Over the past decade, dengue fever has significantly affected public health, especially during the post-monsoon season.
The period from September 20 to December 5 has become increasingly hazardous for the spread of dengue, largely due to environmental factors.
According to the PMD, dengue transmission is triggered when temperatures remain between 26°C and 29°C for three to five weeks, accompanied by humidity levels around 60 per cent.
Additionally, rainfall exceeding 27mm, combined with a lag time of up to three weeks, further elevates the risk.
Mosquitoes that carry the disease are most active two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, with breeding ceasing only when temperatures drop below 16°C.
After a thorough analysis of data and the current climate forecast, PMD experts have cautioned that conditions have become highly favourable for the onset of dengue since mid-September.
The PMD has called on all relevant stakeholders, including national health agencies and dengue control centres, to implement immediate preventive measures in the affected districts.
Authorities are advised to stay vigilant and regularly check the PMD website for updates and guidance on managing the outbreak.