Bangladesh has long battled mosquitoes and diseases resulting from them. That they are a part of our reality has led to a sense of indifference to the matter, which has, unsurprisingly, cost us in more ways than one.
The rise in dengue cases and resultant number of deaths in the last year was an alarming reminder that the measures currently underway by the authorities are inadequate -- and perhaps even detrimental -- under current circumstances.
To that end, recent findings from researchers in the field suggest that mosquitoes are becoming more powerful and dangerous -- with our insecticide drives contributing to their strengthened immune system -- and we stand the risk of a higher number of infections in the future.
Unlike in the past, mosquito-borne diseases are no longer a seasonal occurrence. With visible impacts of climate change on our weather patterns and the unchecked urbanization of our country, periodic precautionary measures cannot be the norm.
It has been said repeatedly: The threat that mosquitoes entail cannot be averted unless pro-active steps are taken to eradicate the root of the problem. The natural breeding grounds of mosquitoes must be eliminated, with active participation from the general public and under the supervision of relevant authorities.
The numbers of dengue infections and subsequent deaths reached record highs last year alone, and if expert advice is to be heeded -- which we certainly ought to -- there is no alternative to year-round preventative initiatives to effectively eradicate the mosquito infestation problem.
Mosquitoes are the number one species that cause the highest number of human deaths. If that is not sound enough reasoning to start taking this more seriously, we might have to prepare for another terrible epidemic in the coming days.
