LAHORE:
Widespread monsoon rains and floods across Punjab have triggered a rise in water and vector-borne diseases, with health authorities warning of an escalating crisis.
In districts across the province, thousands of patients are seeking treatment for illnesses linked to stagnant floodwater, contaminated supplies and unhygienic conditions.
According to official health record, more than 15,400 such patients of dengue fever, malaria, diarrhoea, skin infections and other seasonal diseases have been registered in the province over the past month.
In last 24 hours, 150 new patients were recorded across Punjab, highlighting the strain on health facilities.
Dengue cases are on the rise across the province and healthcare experts have warned that the coming two months are crucial in this regard.
Dengue, transmitted by a mosquito species that breeds in stagnant water, remains a growing concern. Within the past month, 114 dengue patients have been confirmed in Punjab.
District-wise data shows that Murree reported 23 patients, Rawalpindi 38 and Lahore 56, while smaller districts reported scattered cases. Punjab has recorded 310 dengue cases since the beginning of the ongoing.
Health experts cautioned that with continuous rainfall and pooling of water in urban centres, the risk of a wider outbreak is imminent if preventive measures are not intensified. “Vector control and awareness campaigns must remain a priority. Otherwise, we could face a surge similar to previous dengue epidemics,” a senior health officer in Lahore said.
Waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid have also shown a steep increase, particularly among children in low-lying flood-hit areas.
Overcrowded relief camps, lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation have worsened the spread of infections.
Malaria has also been reported in significant numbers, with cases clustering in areas where floodwater remains stagnant. Skin diseases, including fungal infections and scabies, are being frequently diagnosed among displaced populations that have little access to hygienic living conditions.
Animal bites are adding to the healthcare burden. In the past month, 99 cases of snake and 167 of dog bite were registered across Punjab. With villages submerged, wild snakes are moving into populated areas, increasing the risk of venomous encounters.
In response to the growing crisis, the Punjab health authorities have established dozens of emergency medical camps in affected districts.
Provincial disease surveillance system in-charge Dr Shoaib Akmal stated that the government was closely monitoring the situation and providing free treatment to all patients.
“All reported cases are being managed in a timely manner. Adequate stocks of anti-venom and other medicines, and vaccines are available in medical camps and hospitals,” he asserted. “Our teams are working round-the-clock to curb outbreaks and ensure that no patient is left untreated.”
He added that awareness campaigns were being launched in rural and urban areas about preventive steps such as using mosquito repellents, drinking boiled water and avoiding exposure to contaminated floodwater.
Public health experts, however, cautioned that the situation might worsen if monsoon rains continued. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and humanitarian groups have previously highlighted that post-flood disease outbreaks can often be deadlier than the floods.
“Floodwaters destroy sanitation systems, mix sewage with drinking water, and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Unless immediate preventive steps are taken, Punjab may witness an exponential rise in dengue, malaria, and waterborne diseases over the coming weeks,” warned an epidemiologist.
Authorities have urged citizens to drain stagnant water, store drinking water safely and seek medical help immediately in case of fever, vomiting or unusual symptoms.