Mosquito-borne disease dengue might strike with its full virulence this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic crisis. It is startling to note that the month of June has so far accounted for 59.5 percent of the dengue cases recorded this year. As reported by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 247 patients have so far been infected with dengue virus since January 1. Of the total people infected this year, 147 were infected in the first 23 days of June.
If the authorities concerned do not take necessary steps to control Aedes mosquitoes immediately, there might be a surge in the number of dengue patients. It is envisaged that that city dwellers will witness a worse dengue outbreak in July-August this year.
If the authorities concerned do not take necessary
steps to control Aedes mosquitoes immediately,
there might be a surge in the number of dengue patients
When the country is witnessing a potential surge in Covid cases, dengue has become an additional burden on our distress. There is no denying that compared to the havoc now being wreaked by the coronavirus, in terms of fatalities and economic loss, dengue is a minor health problem. But in Bangladesh, it could be a serious problem, if necessary awareness building programmes are not launched imminently.
Reportedly, 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.
The best way to prevent the disease from spreading in settlements is to remove waterlogged areas, keep the settlements always clean, properly dump bio-degradable garbage away from human settlements and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Aedes mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water in puddles, water tanks, containers and old tyres.
Thetefore, at the household level, people need to be aware of these issues and keep their houses clean. Also, 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.
