Dengue cases are rising in Pakistan after the monsoon, and the most dangerous stage often starts when the fever seems to be settling. If you or a family member has dengue and develops severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, fast breathing or extreme weakness, go to hospital immediately.

Here are the warning signs from the World Health Organization, what you can safely do at home, common myths, the latest local numbers and how to stop mosquitoes breeding. This is general information, not a diagnosis, so see a doctor if you are unwell.

Don't wait if someone with dengue has any of these, especially as the fever falls:

• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting that does not stop
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Extreme tiredness, restlessness or weakness
• Very pale, cold or clammy skin
• Being very thirsty

Call your nearest emergency service, such as Rescue 1122 in Punjab or Edhi on 115, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Figures for 2026 are patchy, and I could not find verified provincial totals. These are the latest official figures I found.

In Rawalpindi, teams have found larvae at about 218,000 locations this season, and authorities have registered 2,798 FIRs and sealed 686 premises for anti-dengue violations. Punjab figures often exclude private hospitals, and the national bulletin does not include Punjab, so real numbers are likely higher.

Dengue is endemic in Pakistan, with peaks after the monsoon from September to November.

Dengue symptoms and the stages of illness

Most people with dengue have mild illness or no symptoms and recover in one to two weeks. When symptoms appear they usually start 4 to 10 days after the bite and last 2 to 7 days.

Who is at higher risk of severe dengue? People who have had dengue before are at greater risk if infected again. Doctors also advise early care for babies, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic illness, so see a doctor early if you are in one of these groups.

Testing: blood tests, including rapid antigen tests, can detect the virus in the first week of illness. Your doctor will decide which tests you need and when.

What to do at home

There is no specific treatment for dengue, so care focuses on rest, fluids and managing pain, under a doctor's advice.

• Rest as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solution, soups and coconut water.
• Use paracetamol for fever and pain, at the dose on the label or as your doctor says.
• Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and similar pain medicines. These anti-inflammatory drugs can raise the risk of bleeding.
• Don't take antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes them for a separate infection, because they do not work against viruses.
• Watch closely for the warning signs above, especially when the fever drops, and keep a record of temperature, fluids and urine.
• Protect others. A person with dengue can pass the virus to mosquitoes from two days before symptoms until two days after the fever ends, so use a net or repellent while ill.

Dengue myths to ignore

How to prevent dengue at home and in your street

There is no specific treatment for dengue, and the one licensed vaccine is recommended only for certain ages in high-transmission settings, so prevention means stopping bites and breeding.

Stop mosquitoes breeding

• Cover, empty and clean water storage containers at least once a week.
• Empty water from coolers, flower pots, buckets, tyres, plant saucers and tanks, and don't let rainwater pool on roofs or in gutters.
• Dispose of rubbish properly and remove old containers that can hold water.
• Ask neighbours and shopkeepers to do the same, because mosquitoes breed locally.
• Report breeding sites or larvae to your local health authority.

Avoid bites during the day

• Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
• Put screens on windows and use nets, coils or vaporisers.
• If someone in the house has dengue, protect them with a net so mosquitoes don't spread it to others.

Dengue in Pakistan FAQ

What are the warning signs of severe dengue? Severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, restlessness, extreme thirst, pale cold skin and weakness. Go to hospital immediately.

What medicine can I take for dengue fever? Paracetamol for fever and pain. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase bleeding risk.

How long does dengue last? Symptoms usually last 2 to 7 days, and most people recover within one to two weeks, though tiredness can last longer.

When is the dangerous period? Often when the fever falls, around the third to seventh day of illness, so keep watching for warning signs after you feel better.

Can dengue spread from person to person? Not directly. It spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day.

Does a low platelet count mean I need to be admitted? Not by itself. Doctors decide based on symptoms, fluid status and overall condition, so follow your doctor's advice.

How can I prevent dengue? Empty and clean water containers weekly, remove standing water, use repellent and screens and wear covering clothes during the day.

Is there a dengue vaccine in Pakistan? One vaccine is licensed in some countries for ages 6 to 16 in high-transmission areas. Ask your doctor whether any vaccine is available and suitable for you.

Sources

This article gives general information and is not medical advice. Figures are from press reports of district and national health data as of October 20, 2026.

• World Health Organization: dengue and severe dengue fact sheet
• The Nation: Rawalpindi confirmed dengue tally reaches 53
• ProPakistani: dengue cases keep rising in Rawalpindi
• The Nation: Rawalpindi confirms 23 dengue cases
• Express Tribune: Rawalpindi battles rising dengue threat
• Pakera: Rawalpindi dengue cases rise to 58
• Aaj News: Karachi reports first dengue death of 2026
• World Health Organization: Disease Outbreak News, dengue in Pakistan (2022)