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Questions over dengue control campaigns

Gear up efforts to prevent further fatalities from taking place


Bangladeshpost
Published : 14 Aug 2021 08:18 PM | Updated : 15 Aug 2021 01:08 AM

At a time when the country is struggling hard to quell the spread of Covid-19, dengue has become an additional burden on our distress. There is no denying that the two Dhaka city corporations have taken various steps to control the infestation of Aedes mosquito but city dwellers are questioning their efficacy.

It is startling to note that the highest number of dengue patients of the year was identified in July. The dengue menace could not have come at a worst time. In one month, 2,286 dengue patients were identified. Bangladesh started seeing an upward trend in dengue infections in June this year. The country started seeing over 200 dengue cases every day since August 1. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 5,645 patients have been diagnosed with dengue this year, 

It needs no emphasising 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. Proper safety measures against dengue should be taken to prevent further fatalities from taking place.


Proper safety measures against dengue 

should be taken to prevent further 

fatalities from taking place


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. Also, proper directives should be provided to the hospitals in case of encountering any dengue cases as in both dengue and coronavirus cases the symptom of fever is common.

We know that Dengue mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water in puddles, water tanks, containers and old tyres. Hence, 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 help prevent the transmission of dengue virus.