We express deep concern that the death toll from dengue infection crossed the 900-mark as the authorities recorded 989 dengue deaths between January 1 and September 30 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), this year, 989 deaths, the highest in a year since dengue was detected in 2000, were reported from dengue disease while 281 died last year. On September 20, Bangladesh witnessed 21 dengue deaths, the highest in a single day this year and it also saw the same highest figure on September 2.
The dengue poses a serious public health threat in capital Dhaka, other metropolitan cities, district towns and even remote villages in the country. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) continued launching a hectic mosquito control and cleanliness drive at various places in order to free the capital from the dengue infection and to eradicate aedes larvae as well.
Magistrates have been appointed in each of the city corporations to conduct mobile courts in the capital Dhaka in this regard. And necessary legal actions, including fine, are being taken as soon as the origin of aedes mosquito is identified in any government or private building.
But, the prevalence of dengue cases in the country has increased 10 times since last year and the deaths have increased almost thrice, according to media report. So, the Bangladesh was badly affected by dengue disease this year.
We think the two city corporations alone cannot prevent the diseases if people are not aware as outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya continued to increase during the monsoon season. Aedes mosquitoes, dengue and chikungunya need to be prevented by transforming clean-up activities into a social movement.
We all must
follow the government’s instruction
Many hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to patients as dengue is sweeping the country. Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in flower tubs, plastic containers, discarded tires, plastic drums, earthenware pots, buckets, tin cans, coconut shells or coconut garlands, containers, pots, battery cells, etc.
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.
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. Besides, unused water containers should be destroyed immediately.
So, the city dwellers and city corporations should work together in order to clean all possible breeding grounds of Aedes mosquito to prevent any outbreak of dengue and Chikungunya in the city and its outskirts. Apart from the city corporations, we all city dwellers will also have to become more cautious to protect ourselves from the dengue infection. We all must follow the government’s instruction in this regard.
All must use mosquito nets and ensure that water does not accumulate anywhere in homes, flats, offices-courts, educational or religious institutions, hospitals and community centers including medical centers, bus stands, railway stations etc. Besides, the surroundings should be kept clean and campaigns should be carried out to create awareness in cities, villages, neighborhoods and markets.