We know that last year Bangladesh endured the worst dengue outbreak in history. However, recent media coverage on dengue points at the possibility of another wave of dengue coming soon in the country. Experts warn that the capital city may witness even a worse outbreak of aedes mosquito-borne dengue this year than the last year as the presence of such virus carrying blood-sucking insects have already been very high overwhelming the city dwellers.
It is startling to note that a new variety of type-3 dengue was found for the first time in Bangladesh last year. Considering the changing characteristic of the disease, departments concerned including health experts should look forward to conducting further research and forming a high-profile committee of experts to formulate a guideline to tackle dengue. In the wake of record-high dengue cases, an advisory should be issued in no time for prevention of the disease. As earlier research findings on Dengue have become outdated now, there is a need for conducting new research to find out what type of dengue is affecting most of the patients.
The best way to prevent the disease from spreading
in settlements is to remove waterlogged areas,
keep the settlements always clean and properly dump
bio-degradable garbage away from human settlements
Dengue mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water in puddles, water tanks, containers and old tyres. Lack of reliable sanitation and garbage collection also contributes to the spread the disease. So, at the household level, people need to be aware of these issues, and keep their houses clean. The best way to prevent the disease from spreading in settlements is to remove waterlogged areas, keep the settlements always clean and properly dump bio-degradable garbage away from human settlements and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets. These are not difficult tasks. Proper hygiene and sanitation can also prevent the spread of this deadly disease. Authorities should deploy expert teams to visit dengue-prone areas in the city and inform people about how to destroy all potential mosquito breeding sites.
