Rain sparks fresh fear of dengue surge

As the rainy season begins to set in, the risk of a surge in dengue cases is rising rapidly, with authorities yet to take adequate preventive measures across the country.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 20 people have died from dengue so far this year, while 2,586 others have been hospitalised as of Friday morning.

Of the deaths, 10 occurred in January, three in February, and seven in April. In terms of hospitalisations, 1,161 cases were reported in January, 374 in February, 336 in March, 701 in April, and 39 till the second day of May.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and temporary gusty winds in parts of Chattogram, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions in the next 24 hours starting from 9:00am yesterday.

Entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University expressed concern over the results of their ongoing surveys, noting a sharp rise in the Breteau Index (BI), a measure of Aedes mosquito density.

"This year, we're already seeing BI values over 10 in April, compared to less than 10 on average last year. If this trend continues, the BI could exceed 20 in June, which is alarming," he said.

Prof Bashar emphasised the urgent need for the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) to issue directives to its departments to control the spread of Aedes mosquitoes.

"Breeding source management and larvae control should be the top priorities now. Both the authorities and city residents must ensure there is no stagnant water in containers, construction sites, or other areas," he added.

Entomologist GM Saifur Rahman echoed similar concerns, warning that continued rain and thunderstorms in the coming months will further heighten dengue risks.

"Comprehensive and timely interventions are critical. Unfortunately, we haven't seen sufficient action yet," he said.

Rahman urged the government to establish dedicated mosquito control units across the country and treat dengue as an endemic threat.

"A specialised department involving entomologists and epidemiologists must be formed without delay. Without proactive steps, the burden of dengue could soon become unbearable," he warned.

He also pointed out that while last year's mosquito control efforts by city corporations were poorly coordinated, there has been some improvement this year, though still far from adequate.

"Early detection of Aedes hotspots is vital. Once the rains begin, immediate action is needed to eliminate breeding grounds and larvae. Preventive measures now are key to avoiding a major outbreak," he said.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka South City Corporation has started a special mosquito control and cleanliness drive.

DSCC Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia said such drives will be held across all DSCC zones to combat the dengue outbreak ahead of the monsoon season. The campaign officially began in Dhanmondi.

The DNCC is also continuing its regular drives in this regard, said officials.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Nationwide mosquito control drives
• Daily vector surveillance
• Specialised dengue response unit
• Public awareness through campaigns
• Coordination among city corporations, health depts