PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The provincial health department has officially announced a Chikungunya outbreak in Peshawar, after 16 confirmed cases were detected in the high-risk locality of Sufaid Dheri.
Health Secretary Shahidullah Khan revealed that the outbreak came to light following complaints from residents about symptoms consistent with the viral fever—such as high fever, joint pain, and fatigue—in areas already grappling with dengue. The Express Tribune
A rapid response was launched: 21 samples were collected from suspected patients and sent to the Public Health Reference Laboratory, of which 16 returned positive. The Express Tribune
The Directorate General Health Services (DGHS) issued an advisory, instructing the District Health Officer (DHO), Peshawar to initiate coordinated action. A control room has been established, and epidemiological investigations are underway to trace the source and transmission route of the virus. The Express Tribune
To curb the spread, the health department has launched vector control measures such as fogging, larviciding, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Awareness campaigns are also in progress, urging residents to adopt preventive steps: use repellents, keep surroundings clean, and avoid unnecessary movement. The Express Tribune
Local health facilities have been directed to stock diagnostic kits and essential medicines, and daily reporting has been mandated to monitor developments and guide further interventions. Contact tracing and monitoring of suspected cases are ongoing. The News International
While Chikungunya is generally not fatal, it can cause significant discomfort lasting 7–10 days. The health authorities underscore that early detection and supportive care are crucial in managing the disease in affected areas. Dawn
The emergence of this outbreak is especially concerning as KP is also battling rising dengue cases, with thousands of patients already affected across the province. Dawn
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