Dengue prevention urgent

FE Team | Published: August 03, 2024 20:54:24

The Dengue epidemic has become a serious threat to the people in Bangladesh, with the growing menace of Aedes mosquito during the monsoon season. Initially, concentrated in Dhaka, this mosquito species is now spreading across the entire country. This escalation poses a severe health risk, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of dengue cases in hospitals and the unfortunate fatalities that follow. Just in the past 24 hours since Saturday morning, one more death from dengue was reported, raising the number of fatalities from this mosquito-borne disease to 57 this year.
During this period, 197 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Currently, 669 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals, and a total of 6,517 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, dengue claimed 1,705 lives, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries in the same period.
It is only after such crises that awareness programs are typically initiated. However, this reactive approach is inadequate. Proactive measures are essential to prevent the spread of dengue. Recently, entomologists and public health experts raised concerns about the recent slowdown in anti-mosquito drives, which have either been suspended or significantly reduced due to the unrest surrounding the quota reform protests. This lapse in preventive measures has likely led to increased mosquito breeding, setting the stage for a potential surge in dengue cases.
Therefore, we urge the authorities to implement regular and widespread mosquito control measures, such as spraying repellents and other necessary actions, to protect public health. Proactive and sustained efforts are crucial to mitigate the impact of dengue and safeguard the well-being of our communities.
Typically, dengue cases peak during the rainy season and then decline. However, recent monsoon patterns have shown increased rainfall in September and October. There are predictions of more rainfall after the main monsoon season. Therefore, there is no room for complacency because of the fewer of infection rate this year so far.
Altafur Rahman
Bashabo, Dhaka