The number of dengue patients is increasing at a steady rate across the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The density of Aedes mosquitoes is also increasing due to intermittent rains.
Experts fear that the dengue situation will worsen in the next two months if strict measures are not taken to control the mosquitoes now.
According to Jahangirnagar University entomology department’s most recent research there is a high concentration of Aedes mosquitoes in every ward of the country and the capital now. The research was conducted on different wards of the capital city and other parts of the country.
According to the Department of Health, the number of dengue patients is also increasing.
The research data showed that the number of dengue patients will increase further in July-August, unless urgent steps are taken to control the Aedes mosquito. In that case, it is necessary for the city corporation and the city dwellers to take joint action.
Adequate rainfall in July and favourable temperatures have created an environment for Aedes mosquitoes to grow in pots lying in different parts of the country and a lot of Aedes mosquitoes are being born.
Jahangirnagar University entomology department professor Kabirul Bashar who led the research said the dengue situation could worsen if pesticides are not sprayed on mosquito breeding grounds as a matter of urgency.
He told Bangladesh Post that, “It’s very easy to destroy the mosquitos breeding grounds. Besides City Corporations, city dwellers must have to come forward, so that no water remain accumulated in any abandoned places, pots, or jars. For this a crash programme can be taken to destroy breeding grounds.”
According to the Department of Health, the incidence of Aedes mosquito-borne dengue is on the rise due to sudden heavy downpour and the spread of Aedes mosquitoes during the current monsoon season.
According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the number of dengue patients admitted to the hospital was 271 in June. And in the first 10 days of July, the number of patients has exceeded 300.
On Saturday, Health Information Unit (MIS) of the Department of Health’s Assistant Director and the officer in charge of the Health Emergency Operations and Control Room, Dr. Kamrul Kibria gave this information.
According to him, rainy season is breeding season for Aedes mosquito-borne dengue. Due to the intermittent rain at this time, water accumulates in different places. Dengue mosquitoes breed in buildings under construction and in abandoned buildings, roofs, courtyards, flower pots and tubs, abandoned coconut shells, car tires and plastic bottles.
Meanwhile, Dhaka North and South City Corporations are conducting mobile courts in different areas and from house to house to check for cleanliness at the household level. Besides, activities are underway to create public awareness.
