Concerns are growing over a potential surge in dengue cases across Dhaka and other parts of the country following the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, as continuous rainfall and recent downpours create favourable breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
Experts warned that stagnant water in open spaces, fields, office areas, school and college campuses, household yards, parking basements and flower pots could accelerate mosquito breeding. They stressed the need to immediately strengthen mosquito control and cleaning operations to prevent a further deterioration of the situation.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 23 dengue patients were hospitalized in the 24 hours between 8:00am Thursday and 8:00am yesterday.
During the same period, three patients were admitted in Barishal Division (outside city corporations), 11 in Chattogram Division (outside city corporations), three in Khulna Division (outside city corporations), and six in Dhaka South City Corporation.
Since January this year, six dengue-related deaths have been reported, while total confirmed cases have reached 3,573.
DGHS data further show a steady upward trend in infections. In March, 353 cases were recorded, rising to 640 in April and 714 in May. In just the first five days of June—up to 8:00am yesterday—376 patients were hospitalized. Health experts fear the rapid increase signals a possible further escalation in the coming days.
So far this year, dengue deaths have been reported as two in January, two in February, one in March, none in April, one in May and one in June.
Jahangirnagar University entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar said dengue cases could rise significantly after the Eid holidays, potentially doubling compared to previous periods. However, he said the situation could be brought under control with swift and coordinated intervention.
He emphasised that city corporation efforts alone would not be sufficient and called for increased individual awareness. He urged households returning from holidays to immediately remove any stagnant water and ensure regular cleaning of drains, water containers and flower pots.
Prof Bashar also warned that under-construction buildings, basements, government and private offices and low-lying areas could become high-risk breeding grounds due to rainwater accumulation. He recommended the use of larvicides in stagnant water-prone areas.
He further stressed the importance of disinfecting educational institutions before reopening, including conducting fogging operations prior to the resumption of classes, particularly in schools and colleges where rainwater may have accumulated.
Public health and vaccine expert Dr Tajul Islam A Bari said prolonged closure of offices, homes and educational institutions during the monsoon season often leads to water accumulation, increasing the risk of Aedes mosquito breeding and dengue transmission.
He warned that the risk of infection could rise several-fold but said early awareness and preventive action could reduce the severity of an outbreak.
He urged residents to ensure that water does not collect in flower pots, drains, pits or surrounding household areas, and called for intensified cleanliness drives before the reopening of schools and colleges.
Dr Bari further noted that dengue cannot be controlled through insecticide spraying alone and called for stronger community engagement in awareness and sanitation campaigns.
He said the growing spread of dengue before the peak monsoon season is already a concern and stressed the need for active participation of volunteers and local representatives at the neighbourhood level.
He also emphasised the importance of ward-based dengue testing facilities for rapid diagnosis, along with free testing and primary treatment for low-income groups.
<27 DSCC wards identified as extremely high risk for dengue>
The dengue situation in areas under the Dhaka South City Corporation (Dhaka South City Corporation) has become increasingly alarming, with 63 of its 75 wards recording Aedes mosquito density above the acceptable threshold. Of these, 27 wards have been classified as “extremely high risk”.
The findings were presented on June 4 at Nagar Bhaban during a programme titled “Pre-monsoon Aedes mosquito larval survey results publication and action plan presentation,” where DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abul Salam shared the results.
A total of 36 officials from DSCC and the infectious disease control wing of the Directorate General of Health Services (Directorate General of Health Services) conducted a survey covering 2,250 households between May 12 and May 23, using the modern “Cobo Toolbox” system.
The survey identified the following wards as highly vulnerable: 15, 17, 20, 21, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 55, 56, 57, 32, 36, 38, 7 and 52—making up the 27 critically high-risk wards.
The DSCC administrator said a five-day “crash programme” will begin on June 7 in these 27 highest-risk wards, jointly implemented by the health and waste management departments. The same intervention will later be extended to 36 moderately at-risk wards.