Officials from the District Health Authority said teams have identified and cleaned thousands of mosquito breeding sites, yet hospitals have reported a significant rise in dengue patients over the past week.

At Nishtar Hospital, 12 patients have tested positive for dengue, while 29 others are suspected and await lab results. Out of 70 beds allocated for dengue treatment, 41 are already occupied.

PPP MNA Ali Qasim Gilani said 30 dengue cases were reported in his constituency in a single day. He submitted a written request to Deputy Commissioner Multan Wasim Hamid Sandhu, urging precautionary measures to protect citizens.

This year, Multan has reported 92 confirmed dengue cases. Anti-dengue teams have eliminated larvae from 3,989 sites and identified 2,195 breeding grounds. At least 352 field teams are actively conducting indoor and outdoor surveillance and destroying mosquito larvae.

Special Secretary Health and Population Muhammad Shehbaz Hussain said dengue control efforts are being accelerated to ensure full coverage of all identified sites.

Authorities at Government Shahbaz Sharif Hospital have set up a special dengue counter to test and treat suspected patients immediately. Citizens are urged to follow dengue prevention SOPs strictly.

Hospital staff said test results are sometimes delayed because samples are sent to central labs, even though point-of-care machines are available on-site. This delays platelet monitoring and treatment.

Also Read: Dengue alert: 10 easy preventive measures and treatment steps

Local authorities have filed FIRs against three restaurants and two factories where dengue larvae were found. Over 120 other institutions received warning notices.

Health teams urged citizens to remove standing water, cover water tanks, and report suspected breeding sites. Officials assured close monitoring and requested full cooperation with surveillance teams to control dengue.