Chikungunya Outbreak Hits Peshawar, 16 Confirmed Cases Reported

The Safed Dheri area of Peshawar has been struck by an outbreak of the Chikungunya virus, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department confirming 16 positive cases so far.

According to health officials, the number of patients has been steadily increasing, prompting the District Health Officer (DHO) Peshawar to establish a control room to monitor the situation. The department has declared the area an outbreak zone and issued advisories to prevent the virus from spreading to nearby union councils.

Samples from 21 suspected patients were sent to the Public Health Reference Lab, out of which 16 tested positive for Chikungunya. Secretary Health Shahidullah confirmed that vector control measures, including fogging and larviciding, have already begun to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Health authorities have also initiated a public awareness campaign, advising residents to use mosquito repellents, cover water containers, and avoid unnecessary movement. Hospitals have been instructed to ensure availability of diagnostic kits and medicines, while the DHO is directed to submit daily reports to the Directorate General Health Services.

Officials have assured the public that all possible resources are being mobilized to contain the outbreak and that contact tracing and close monitoring are underway.