Syed Shemul Parvez :
Dengue patients’ number is increasing in the city hospitals just ahead of monsoon season gradually.
Aedes larvae are found in at least 10 out of 100 pots in the capital city. This picture has come out in the operation of North City Corporation in the houses of several areas of the capital.
Marking the issue, entomologists have expressed deep concern that the dengue situation could be dangerous with the onset of the monsoon season.
According to entomologists, there is no alternative to face the dengue crisis without a strong process of eradicating Aedes breeding grounds. Apart from this, the city dwellers should be more careful about keeping their houses clean regularly, they said.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Disease Control Branch of the Department of Health in the city, the number of dengue breeding grounds has increased this year as compared to last year. The survey found more than 10 Bruto index, an indicator of mosquito density, in 23 wards of the capital.
Besides, Aedes larvae were found in 10 containers out of 100 in different houses and buildings under construction in these areas. The survey was conducted in 3,150 houses in 98 wards of two city corporations of the capital.
Deputy Program Manager of Malaria Eradication and AIDS Control Disease Control Program Dr. Ekramul Haque said, “We have got more than 20 Bruto index in only 3 sites of South City Corporation.” According to the House Index, it is close to 4.75, or 5. That’s why I’m guessing that the monsoon season this year could make dengue more dangerous for city dwellers. Entomologists have advised the two city corporations of the capital to take effective measures to control mosquitoes as soon as possible based on the results of the survey conducted by the Department of Health.
In this issue, Entomologist Professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar told the New Nation that I personally appreciate the recent activities including the drives against Aedes mosquito of two city corporations regarding
the dengue issue. But I urge the government to make this drive for permanent to eradicate the dengue epidemic.
Dr. Bashar said, it is possible and most important to remove those pots or containers where Aedes mosquitoes are likely to grow or breed. Before the onset of monsoon, city mayors should work with councilors in each ward, neighborhood, local social worker and youth community to work on Aedes mosquito control, he further said.
Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is ready with the necessary manpower and pesticides to handle the upcoming dengue situation, said the mayor Atiqul Islam.
Mayor Atik warned that the DNCC would be strict in dealing with dengue, adding if the Aedes larvae were found, we would take legal action. There will be regular cases according to the law.
Last time I was fined up to taka 5 lakh. This time not only fines, but also jail if necessary.
On the other hand, the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Tajul Islam said, “I have talked to the mayors of the two cities about the amount of manpower, equipment and medicine in stock.” I have reviewed their condition. According to the review, both the city corporations are fully prepared to deal with dengue.
Incidentally, according to the Department of Health data; In the last 2021, 28,429 people have been treated in the hospitals for dengue fever. And 105 lost their lives. Most of them were residents of the capital.
