Mosquito-borne dengue fever has struck again in Dhaka following the variation in rainfall pattern.
Generally, people in the city get infected with the dengue virus when monsoon begins since mosquitoes find a suitable atmosphere and spread the virus.
The disease has so far claimed ten lives, and 2,718 others have been infected with the virus in Dhaka between January 1 and September 1, according to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
As of September 1, 123 patients were admitted into different hospitals, including 27 in Mitford Hospital, 11 in Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, 17 in Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes (Birdem), and 68 in different private hospitals.
Since 2000, at least 270 people have died of dengue and 40,098 got infected in the capital, the official data revealed.
The first officially recorded epidemic of dengue was in 2000, while the highest number of cases reported in a single year was 6,132 back in 2002.
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Health experts said authorities concerned should take prompt action to destroy the larvae responsible for the eventual spread of the dengue virus, and raise awareness.
Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora, director of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said people must keep an eye on their rooftops, unused containers, house yards, unused car tires, refrigerators and air conditioners and other places where water can remain stagnant for about five days.
The Aedes mosquitoes breed in the country between January and August. According to World Health Organization (WHO), once infected, humans become the main carriers and multipliers of the dengue virus, serving as a source of the virus fors uninfected mosquitoes.
The virus circulates in the blood of an infected person for 2-7 days, at approximately the same time that the person develops a fever. Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection via Aedes mosquitoes after the first symptoms appear.
According to a survey revealed in February this year conducted by the Health Directorate, the most mosquito-prone areas are Minto Road of Bailey Road, Uttara, Chowdhurypara of Malibagh, Bashundhara Residential Area, Elephant Road, Dhanmondi, Banani, Gabtoli, Moghbazar, Mirpur, Mohakhali, Nakhalpara, Sewrapara, Gulshan, Meradia and Shantinagar.
The survey canvassed around 2,000 households in 100 areas of 93 wards in Dhaka between January 10 and January 20. The survey also stated that the accumulated waste and dust along with dirty water trigger the high birthrate of the two types of mosquitoes of the Aedes variety which can spread dengue and chikungunya.
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The affected people and the city dwellers blamed the city corporations’ failure to prevent the outbreak of dengue in the city.
Dhaka North City Corporation Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Md Zakir Hassan claimed that they are trying their best to prevent Aedes from breeding, as well as creating public awareness.
Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Dr Sheikh Salahuddin emphasized on individual-level awareness to combat the dengue outbreak in the city.
