Slug: dengue-surge-kp-1510-cases-october
Category: Health
Focus keyphrase: dengue cases Khyber Pakhtunkhwa October 2026
SEO title: Dengue Surges in K-P: 1,510 Cases Reported in October
Meta description: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has reported 1,510 dengue cases in October, with Kohat worst-hit at 975. Health officials urge residents to clear stagnant water.
Tags: dengue, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kohat, Peshawar, health department, mosquito-borne diseases, public health, disease surveillance
Original element: own data point — the province’s own monthly breakdown (115 cases Jan-May, 573 in August, 1,692 in September, 1,510 in October) shows the post-monsoon surge pattern, set against our own recent public-health coverage of the Karachi polio case.
Dengue Surges in K-P: 1,510 Cases Reported in October
PESHAWAR: Dengue infections are rising sharply across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with 1,510 cases reported so far in October, including 99 new infections confirmed in the past 24 hours, the provincial health department said on Thursday.
Kohat has emerged as the worst-affected district, reporting 975 cases during October. Peshawar follows with 209 cases. The total number of confirmed dengue infections in the province has reached 4,091 this year, while one death has been reported in Dera Ismail Khan.
The department’s daily situation report shows 144 active cases across the province at present. Kohat accounts for 80 of them, followed by Bannu with 24, Peshawar with 18, Hangu with nine, Charsadda with seven and Dera Ismail Khan with three.
Kohat bears the heaviest burden
Kohat’s situation is particularly concerning. The district has recorded 2,567 cases since the start of the year: 42 in July, 387 in August, 1,116 in September and 975 so far in October. The steady climb reflects the continued spread of the virus through the district.
In Peshawar, the annual tally has reached 566, including 75 cases in August, 144 in September and 209 in October.
Other districts have also reported significant numbers this month. Bannu recorded 81 cases in October, followed by Charsadda with 37, Haripur with 34, Abbottabad with 21, and Hangu and Nowshera with 20 each. Cases were also confirmed in Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bajaur, Swabi, Lower Chitral, Malakand, Mardan and Battagram.
Several districts, including Shangla, Upper Dir, Upper Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, both South Waziristans, both Kurrams and Torghar, reported no cases this year.
A familiar post-monsoon pattern
The monthly figures underline a marked increase since August. The province recorded 115 cases from January through May, 90 in June, 111 in July, 573 in August and 1,692 in September, before this month’s 1,510. The curve mirrors the typical post-monsoon dengue season, when stagnant water left behind by the rains gives mosquitoes fresh breeding grounds — a pattern Pakistan’s public-health system confronts every autumn.
The same seasonal pressure has been visible elsewhere in the country this month. Earlier this week, a new polio case in Karachi took the national tally to seven for the year, a reminder that disease surveillance remains stretched across provinces. Stagnant water left behind by an uneven monsoon season — Sindh recorded a sharp rainfall deficit this year — gives mosquitoes fresh breeding grounds in some districts while drought stresses others. Sustained vector control, from clearing standing water to covering containers and early testing, is what separates a managed season from an outbreak.
Officials urge preventive steps
Health officials have urged residents to take preventive measures to slow the spread. People have been advised to stop water from accumulating in homes, streets and neighbourhoods, keep water containers covered and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
Residents with fever, severe headache, body aches, joint pain or other suspected symptoms have been advised to seek prompt medical attention rather than waiting for the illness to pass.
The department is issuing daily situation reports as the season continues.
Frequently asked questions
How many dengue cases has K-P reported this year?
The province has confirmed 4,091 dengue infections so far in 2026, with 1,510 of them reported in October alone.
Which district is worst affected?
Kohat is the worst-hit district, with 975 cases in October and 2,567 since January. Peshawar is second with 209 October cases.
What should residents do to protect themselves?
Health officials advise preventing water from collecting around homes, covering water containers, removing mosquito breeding sites and seeking medical care promptly if symptoms like high fever, headache and joint pain appear.
*Source: The Express Tribune, October 22, 2026*
