Mosquito-borne dengue has re-emerged in the capital Dhaka, with the onset of the monsoon. In the first 15 days of this month, 521 people were infected with dengue. From January to mid of July, 1610 people were infected with dengue across the country. Of the cases, 1402 patients are in Dhaka city. After Dhaka, Chattogram division has the second highest number of dengue patients. There is a high possible correlation between the rate of urbanisation and dengue outbreak. In contrast to the endemic, the city officials are completely nonchalant about the causes of the disease. Moreover, the quality of larvicides and pesticides is substandard and can do nothing with the higher breeding rate.
This year, dengue patients have been on the rise since last May. In May, 183 people were infected with the disease. In June, it increased to 638 people as per DGHS data. Residents of the capital have been suffering from dengue for more than two decades as the city has become a hotspot of this disease in the country. Dhaka North City Corporation recently introduced a fleet of drones to monitor the city for potential breeding sites of disease-spreading mosquitoes in an effort to control the dengue outbreak.
There is a clear indication of rising dengue patients, which might contribute to an explosive situation as the Covid-19 pandemic resurges. Due to the trend, there is a considerable possibility of a rise in dengue fever this year. It will continue to go up until August if the authorities concerned do not take the necessary steps to control Aedes.
The authorities will have to take immediate steps to raise awareness among the people to remove water from all kinds of containers once a week since Aedes breeds in clean water. The city authorities and the government should take all precautionary steps such as preparing hospitals, destroying breeding grounds, making people aware, and other logistics.
