Bangladesh may witness an even worse outbreak of Aedes mosquito-borne dengue this year as the presence of this virus-carrying insect has increased in the early days of summer, health experts have warned. Deaths and hospitalisation from dengue fever between January and April 15 have already surpassed numbers in the corresponding period of the last year, raising fears of a potentially more severe outbreak.
Dengue outbreak is usually seen with the onset of monsoon between May and September marking the peak dengue season. However, recent years have witnessed a troubling trend as cases of dengue fever are reported year-round, according to reports of different national dailies and agencies.
So far, 1,839 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3,18,749 recoveries last year. Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
The government should take all necessary measures to stop the spread of dengue disease in the country as early as possible. The machinery of government should work together to control the mosquito-borne disease. The August and September are considered as peak months for dengue in our country.
However, recent years have witnessed many people getting infected with dengue even after the end of the peak period. So, it is feared dengue cases and deaths will exceed all previous records this year as the number of cases and fatalities continue to rise, signaling an alarming trend.
It is feared dengue cases
and deaths will exceed all
previous records this year
Earlier health experts warned the dengue situation would deteriorate this year, telling authorities concerned to launch a massive eradication campaign against all types of mosquitoes. If the authorities do not take immediate effective steps, the situation may take a serious turn during monsoon.
It is predicted that the dengue outbreak may be prolonged this year as a large number of Aedes mosquitoes are grown this year. Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in flower tubs, plastic containers, discarded tyres, plastic drums, earthenware pots, buckets, tin cans, coconut shells or coconut garlands, containers, pots, battery cells, etc.
Aedes mosquitoes are unlikely to breed if people do not store water in their backyards, flower tubs, air conditioners, especially basements of under-construction or abandoned buildings, or keep a small amount of kerosene in clean or stored water for three consecutive days.
It is not possible to eradicate Aedes mosquitoes without destroying the source. City corporations and people will have to work together for destroying the breeding grounds and other sources of the Aedes mosquito.
The city corporations must bring dengue to a tolerable level immediately at any cost. On the other hand, we have noticed that even after repeated warnings, people are not becoming aware. The city corporations will not be able to protect the people unless they are aware of it. The dengue eradication drive will have to be intensified to make it a success so that it would be possible to bring down the number of dengue patients to nil.
Apart from these, there is no substitute for a healthy environment for people’s wellbeing and to ensure a healthy environment people from all walks of life need to get involved in the social movement for clean-up activities. The city dwellers must discharge their responsibilities properly along with city corporations, otherwise there is a risk that dengue could overwhelm healthcare systems across the country after the COVID-19 pandemic.