Declare dengue a reportable disease
It is deeply concerning that despite warnings from public health experts, entomologists, and the media, the government's dengue control measures remain largely insufficient. Reports indicate that dengue cases have been rising rapidly with the early start of rains this year. As of the morning of May 23, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported a total of 3,767 dengue cases, with 23 deaths. While there were 701 cases in April, the first 23 days of May saw 1,195 infections, indicating a troubling upward trend. Yet, the government's response has been noticeably inadequate. Without urgent action, this year's outbreak could surpass the severity of last year's, which saw 101,214 cases and 575 deaths.
Earlier this month, entomologists warned of a sharp rise in the Breteau Index (BI)—a measure of Aedes mosquito density—across the country. Their research showed that in April, the BI exceeded 10, whereas last year's average remained below this level. They cautioned that if this trend continues, the BI could rise above 20 by June, posing a serious threat. Additionally, health experts have warned that if dengue serotypes such as DEN-1, 4, or even 3 become prevalent this year, the number of infections and severe cases could increase significantly. Therefore, the government must take this threat with the seriousness it deserves, and implement necessary preventive measures without delay.
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A national control programme for dengue has become essential by now. The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) has a crucial role to play in this regard. It must issue immediate directives to curb the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, prioritising breeding source management and larvae control. City corporations and municipalities must also establish year-round plans to maintain cleanliness and conduct regular fogging operations to prevent mosquito breeding. Proper waste management must be prioritised as well. Since early detection of Aedes hotspots is essential for dengue control, swift action must follow every rainfall to eliminate breeding sites and larvae. It is the responsibility of both state departments and residents to ensure that there is no stagnant water in containers, construction sites, or other potential breeding grounds.
Experts have also stressed the need to declare dengue a reportable disease, which would facilitate proper data collection from hospitals and diagnostic centres and also enable more effective surveillance and response. Equally important, hospitals must be properly equipped to provide adequate treatment for dengue patients, especially those living outside Dhaka. Only through coordinated efforts and prompt action can we hope to prevent another deadly outbreak.
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