Last year the country witnessed the highest number of Dengue fatalities by registering an appalling 1,705 deaths and 3, 21,179 reported cases. Back then it seemed the situation couldn't get any worse.
However, Dengue fatalities this year till the month of May had been already 21 more than the same period last year while indicating the worst was yet to come. This year, the total number of deaths stands at 102 until Saturday coupled with 16,819 cases as the health disaster keeps fast unfolding.
Barely 4 months ago had a pre-monsoon survey conducted by the DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) from April 17 to April 26, reported high density of Aedes mosquito larvae in 29 wards of Dhaka South City Corporation and 12 wards of Dhaka North City Corporation. Moreover, the survey inspected 3,152 houses across 99 wards of the two city corporations and found Aedes mosquito larvae in 463 houses while pin-pointedly mentioning the ward numbers.
Had prompt and effective action been taken by the two city corporations by May, the Dengue situation would have looked far better today. Needless to mention, ongoing rains and drizzles have exacerbated the situation by creating new mosquito breeding grounds.
What is particularly disturbing is that prevalence of the deadly fever in the country, since last year has evolved from a seasonal concern to a year-round issue. Primarily confined within Dhaka city, the disease also has infiltrated across the entire country, reaching even to remote villages.
Need of the hour demands to urgently launch a hotspot management system across the country by locating Dengue patients according to their addresses. In addition, it is equally important to formulate and launch a countrywide mosquito control programme. Without the programme it will be extremely difficult to control fast spreading of the lethal fever.
Way back in April, the health ministry was reported to have formulating a National Dengue Prevention and Control Strategy (2024-2030) for the first time. It is time to update the public on its progress. Concurrently, we call on all public and private hospitals to introduce separate dedicated health services to Dengue patients.
In conclusion, it is once more crucial to combat the deadly fever with whatever resources at hand - meaning going back to the very basics. Creating mass awareness and fast adopting preventive measures are keys to saving ourselves from the deadly fever.
Common practices ranging from using mosquito nets, mosquito sprays and repellents to clearing stagnant water to mosquito breeding grounds must commence right from this moment. With Dhaka being one of the most densely populated cities in the world, its dwellers shouldn't anyhow evade responsibility of cleaning their own homes and buildings at regular intervals.
