With Covid numbers looking to be increasing, it is indeed a matter of concern that we also appear to be on the verge of a deadly dengue outbreak. Between June 1 and 29, a total of 705 dengue patients were hospitalized across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is no stranger when it comes to contending with the debilitating effects of dengue every monsoon. But with the number of hospitalizations in June being four times higher than the month of May, it would be a mistake to compare this upcoming outbreak with the previous dengue outbreaks we have suffered from. As stated, the potency of this outbreak is especially problematic given the fact we look to be heading for a fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
88% of cases have been reported in Dhaka city. This makes sense given the fact that a large number of areas in Dhaka city have been marked unsafe when it comes to contending with dengue. Dhaka is also in a peculiar position because this is a city that has been constructed by snuffing out rivers and canals which means that during monsoon, the excess water of the city doesn’t have any place to run off. This excess water in turn gives birth to puddles that can be used as breeding ground by Aedes mosquitoes. Given the fact that we are seeing a lot of rain in recent days, the current uptick in dengue cases is unfortunate but not surprising.
The authorities need to move fast. Hospitals have to stock up on necessary amenities to tackle the diseases. The city councils have to double down on their anti-dengue drives as well. Most importantly, we have to look at the infrastructural makeup of the city and work on the issues that continue to make Bangladesh, and especially Dhaka, such a hotspot for dengue.
This is an epidemic that we have been battling with for decades. The fact that it can still catch us by surprise is inexcusable.
