ED: Stopping the dengue menace

It is concerning to note that, in the first 11 days of this month, the number of dengue cases has already surpassed that of the entire month of October, with November also recording the highest number of cases recorded on a given day this year.

While the coronavirus pandemic has of course meant that governmental attention has focused in preventing the spread of the disease, the rising number of dengue cases is not something that we can ignore.

Last year’s dengue outbreak saw more than 100,000 people hospitalized, of whom 179 perished as a result of the mosquito-borne disease and, as such, we cannot afford to remain lax when it comes to preventing a repeat of a similar scenario.

Dhaka has borne the brunt of dengue, with 93% of reported cases found in the city and, in this regard, it is encouraging that both the city corporations are carrying out necessary steps to curb dengue infections.

Dhaka North is conducting a 10-day special mosquito and cleanliness drive while its southern counterpart is carrying out mobile court operations -- encouraging signs that the government is taking the dengue threat seriously.

Dengue testing kits are already available at all hospitals across Bangladesh -- citizens must now be incorporated into the government’s agenda. Generating awareness regarding the specifics of dengue are extremely important at this time.

The government must remain vigilant and adaptive, and not only in the capital. Experts have suggested that such drives be continued throughout the rest of the year -- not merely in phases -- in order to ensure that dengue takes no more lives.