DENGUE, the mosquito-borne dengue fever has struck again in Dhaka and its surrounding areas in the recent days. Hospital sources said about 3000 people, mostly children, have been get infected so far. Local newspaper and electronic media reported that city hospitals are now flooded with the dengue patients.
People usually get infected with the dengue virus when mosquitoes find a suitable atmosphere and spread the virus. According to Directorate General of Health Services, the disease has so far claimed 15 lives, and 2,718 others have been infected with the virus in Dhaka between January 1 and September 1. At least 270 people have died of dengue and 40,098 got infected in the capital since 2000. However, there is a good news that another viral disease Chikunguniya is under control this year.
We do urge the authorities concerned to take prompt action to destroy the larvae responsible for the eventual spread of the dengue virus, and raise awareness. Besides, the people must keep an eye on their rooftops, unused containers, house yards, unused car tires, refrigerators and air conditioners and other places where water can remain stagnant for about five days. The World Health Organization has warned, once infected, humans become the main carriers and multipliers of the dengue virus, serving as a source of the virus for uninfected mosquitoes.
Officials said IEDCR, along with diseases control unit of DGHS, Bureau of Health Education and Health Ministry are observing the situation closely with taking different steps. As per a survey by the Health Directorate, city’s most mosquito-prone areas are Minto Road, Chowdhurypara of Malibagh, Bashundhara Residential Area, Elephant Road, Dhanmondi, Banani, Uttara, Gabtoli, Moghbazar, Mirpur, Mohakhali, Nakhalpara, Sewrapara, Gulshan, Meradia and Shantinagar.
Though Dhaka North and South City Corporations have claimed that they were trying their best to prevent Aedes from breeding; we see their activities are not sufficient enough to tackle the situation. Apart from keeping clean the surroundings, the city corporations must take steps to create awareness among the people to prevent the viral disease. Prevention is better than cure.
