Rising dengue larval indices raise outbreak fears in Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi is facing a potential dengue outbreak as health authorities report a significant increase in Aedes mosquito larvae across the district. Data shows a sharp rise in the Breteau Index, indicating that mosquito breeding sites are spreading rapidly despite ongoing surveillance.
Why it matters
Rising larval indices serve as a critical early warning for public health officials to prevent a full-scale epidemic in densely populated urban areas.
ISLAMABAD - The threat of a dengue outbreak is growing in Rawalpindi district, with health teams detecting Aedes mosquito larvae in an increasing number of union councils during indoor and outdoor surveillance. According to the latest dengue surveillance data, 141 of the district's 189 union councils have recorded a Breteau Index (BI) above three, indicating a significant presence of dengue-vector breeding sites. Of these, 79 union councils have recorded a BI between three and seven, 34 have a BI between seven and 10, while 28 have recorded a BI above 10. The Breteau Index measures the number of containers containing mosquito larvae or pupae per 100 houses inspected and is widely used to assess the level of Aedes mosquito infestation. The situation has deteriorated markedly in recent months.
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