The dengue outbreak two years ago was the worst that Bangladesh has ever seen, and while the numbers were a marked step down the following year the infection rate was still inordinately high, proving once again just how poor our nation’s efforts towards mosquito control have been.
While the nation is about to enter the hottest period of the year, which will then be followed by the rainy season, Bangladesh has already recorded at least 10 new cases of dengue leading up to this past Friday morning, which brings the total number of cases for the year to 1,706. For context, we only just entered the third week of the third month of the calendar year, and the numbers are already nothing short of staggering.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the number of deaths this year remains at 13, while at least 88 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country.
Dengue has transformed itself into a veritable public health disaster for the past few years and the primary reason is because of the previous government’s abject failure at mosquito control, especially in our capital city due to a distinct lack of coordination between the two city corporations.
Last month it was revealed by at least one entomologist that the population of the Culex mosquito is expected to reach its peak this month, and it is clear as day that existing control methods such as regular repellent drives -- a measure which itself has been accused of bias when it comes to areas of operation -- are not enough. Given the severity of the dengue situation, Bangladesh needs to invest in more innovative solutions, such as the previously revealed plans of releasing sterile mosquitoes to curb their population.
The traditional methods alone are no longer adequate.
