In the aftermath of recent rains, the authorities concerned must take care not to let the larvae, which find warm weather and standing water a highly favourable period, to turn into swarming mosquitoes. A report by the Rawalpindi District Health Authority vouches for the fact that the mosquitoes have already started breeding. The report says the authority has found dengue mosquito larvae in 272 areas in the district during its dengue prevention campaign. Of the 68,527 homes screened by 331 teams, the discovery of dengue larvae in 272 houses is enough to raise alarm. The longish winter this year was harsh enough to keep the mosquito populations in check but the spring rains and the inception of warm weather are going to promote mosquito breeding. Worldwide the mosquito-borne diseases including dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and yellow fever kill about a million people every year. Mosquito, the world’s deadliest animal, has been long associated in Pakistan with malarial fever. In 2008, however, the Punjab government recognised dengue fever as a serious public health threat. An intense campaign ensued – both for raising awareness among the public on mosquito control and dengue symptoms and culling the virus through insecticide sprays and eliminating breeding sites. The campaign has been a great success considering there has been no dengue fever epidemic in the province since 2013. This is, however, a constant fight, and the vigilance must continue as long as the mosquito hatch, breed and bite the humans. Experts suggest that keeping the blood-sucking insect at bay requires both putting down the ones you come across and thwarting new births. The Rawalpindi authorities have sprayed the locations where the mosquitoes and larvae were found. More such pockets are likely to be revealed so that the authorities will need to remain vigilant. The exercise also needs to be undertaken by the health authorities in other districts. The dengue fever is not an isolated problem. Fortunately, after years of fighting this battle, we have the required experience and training as well as the necessary equipment to fight the mosquitoes. No dengue fever patient has been reported in Rawalpindi’s public hospitals so far. Timely action can help keep the dengue fever wards empty. *