Pakistan is undergoing one of its worst-ever dengue fever epidemics recording about 20,000 cases and 34 confirmed deaths in recent months, a top Pakistani health official said.
The disease has hit urban areas of Pakistan, including the capital, Islamabad, placing hospitals countrywide under severe strain, Rana Mohammad Safdar, a top official at the National Institute of Health, said on October 3.
Authorities are conducting anti-mosquito spraying in urban areas to contain the spread of disease, the health official said.
Prolonged monsoon rains have been blamed for the outbreak, whereas the opposition has accused the government of not taking timely measures to prevent it, AP reported.
"Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection" that causes a severe flu-like illness and sometimes causes a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue, according to the World Health Organization.
Dengue is prevalent in poor areas areas, suburbs and the countryside, but also affects more affluent neighborhoods in tropical and subtropical countries.
Official: Pakistan Experiencing Among Worst-Ever Dengue Outbreaks
Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Serbia Deepens Military Ties With China Through Drones, Air Defense Systems
2Iran Seizes Foreign Oil Tanker With 18 Crew Members
3Several Protesters Reported Dead In Iran As Anger Builds Over Dismal Economy
4Why Are So Many Leaders Warning Of War With Russia?
5Tanks On The Tree: Russian Military Ornaments Are Out In Force This Year
6Belarus Jailing Citizens For Supporting Ukraine's Fight Against Russia
7Costs Mount As Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade War Strands Thousands Of Trucks
8Why Israel Now Eyes Iran's Missiles Over Nukes Ahead Of Netanyahu-Trump Talks
9Shortcut To Zaporizhzhya: Russian Forces Creep Across Drained Reservoir After Dam Breach
10Kremlin 'Reopens' Mariupol Theater It Destroyed, But No Shows Are Scheduled
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
