A study by Jahangirnagar University says the density of matured culex mosquito will increase by four folds in the capital Dhaka and its adjacent cities and towns as well this month. The study also asks the authorities to take immediate mosquito control measures ahead of the rainy season to prevent the spread of various mosquito-borne diseases including dengue.
Culex, also known as common house mosquitoes transmit viruses that cause parasitic disease lymphatic, filariasis, tularemia, thalassemia and other diseases. The mosquito population usually increases during summer and monsoon because of heavy rains accompanied by floodwater. Places with rainwater are the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The two city
corporations in association with local
people must put forth concerted efforts
to destroy mosquito larvae
People living in capital Dhaka and its adjacent cities and towns alleged that mosquitoes are spreading fast mainly due to the inability of the city corporations to destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes. They fear that they may experience the outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, including Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika and yellow fever in coming days. Apart from the culex, the number of Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the deadly dengue virus will also increase in the upcoming monsoon.
The city dwellers are unable to control the invasion of their homes by mosquitoes with just mosquito nets, spray, coils or electric bats. It is not only city corporations’ responsibility but also the government, semi-government institutions and citizens will have to play their role to control this menace. The two city corporations in association with local people must put forth concerted efforts to destroy mosquito larvae in the breeding grounds. In this regard, city corporations must play an effective role. If someone’s negligence in mosquito control is noticed, the authorities should take immediate steps.
Special drive with the larviciding and fogging activities is a must right now to eradicate mosquitoes and prevent mosquito-borne diseases specially Chikungunya and dengue. Besides, authorities will have to start awareness campaign including telecasting advertisement on electronic and print media, holding rally, arranging view-exchanging meeting, and leaflet distribution at the grassroots highlighting the precautionary and different preventive measures about the mosquito-borne diseases. Apart from these, they will also have to conduct a cleaning operation as well as fogging repellant in all wards of two city corporations in morning and afternoon.