The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will conduct a mass awareness campaign against chikunguniya, a mosquito-born viral disease, at 92 points of Dhaka on Saturday.
During the campaign, the breeding spots of Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for the viral fever, will also be destroyed.
"It is the first mass campaign across the country where more than 20,000 medical students and health sector employees will take part," Director General of the Directorate of Health Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad said.
"They will conduct awareness programme, destroy breeding spots of Aedes mosquitoes and spread medicines at 92 points of the city," he added.
Also read: What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes that bite during daytime. The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
The disease's name derives from African Kimakonde language and means “to become contorted,” as those affected often appear stooped because of joint pain.
Chikungunya symptoms include sudden onset of fever and joint pain, particularly affecting the hands, wrists, ankles and feet that take days – and in some cases months – to heal.
The awareness campaign will start at 9am on Saturday and continue till 2pm. Medical university, all medical colleges, dental college, nursing college and institutes, health technology institutes, all health sector institutions and office's employees will take part.
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Prof Azad said: "Aedes mosquito is the responsible for chikungunya. It also carries virus of Dengu and Zika.
“So, the breeding spots of the mosquito must be destroyed. Otherwise, we will continue to face risks from such deadly diseases."
Chikungunya, endemic to Africa, Southeast Asia and India, was first detected in Bangladesh in 2008. Intermittent rains helped the disease spread fast in the city this year, according to experts.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, the World Health Organisation says.
Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain using anti-pyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids.
There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine, the WHO adds.
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