Rising threat from dengue fever in Dhaka

A recent survey has found that nearly a third of the total number of houses in Dhaka city is home to Aedes mosquitoes. It is well known that these mosquitoes are the carriers of dengue fever. They live in clear, stagnant water that often gathers in the empty plant pots, buckets and other such containers in any house.

Dengue fever is also known as 'break bone' fever. When affected by dengue, patients have high body temperatures, bone and muscle aches. The platelet count of a patient also falls. If this falls below a certain threshold, the patient needs to be hospitalised immediately.

I hope the health ministry will take all necessary steps to prevent a dengue outbreak in Dhaka this year.

Also, the citizens can do their bit by keeping the surrounding of their houses clean. They cannot let water become stagnant. Also, people need to be aware of mosquitoes and take preventive measures.

Mohammed Farhan

Mohakhali, Dhaka