The entire world is currently experiencing the global pandemic that is Covid-19, and it is absolutely necessary that no stone is left unturned to contain the spread of this deadly virus.
However, as Bangladesh too prepares to deal with this global crisis, it is important that the authorities also keep an eye on an all-too-familiar threat: Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
Two recently conducted surveys -- one by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and another by a team of researchers from Jahangirnagar University -- found an alarming level of Aedes mosquito larvae in different wards of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
This is an extremely worrying situation.
Bangladesh’s medical capacity is tested every year because of the alarming number of dengue patients. This year, with the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, our medical facilities will be stretched thin, and we must do all we can so that those requiring medical attention receive treatment.
To that end, the last thing our country needs is a worse dengue outbreak than previous years. Unfortunately, based on preliminary findings, that is what experts are fearing.
Our inadequacy in dealing with the spread of mosquito-borne diseases has been well documented in recent years and it is disappointing that we continue to lag behind in addressing this issue.
For any disease, prevention is always better than cure. It is vital that the authorities treat the threat of dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses with the seriousness they deserve.
In these times dealing with the coronavirus, the added threat of dengue will be a catastrophe and we must do all we can to prevent that from happening.
