Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) officials yesterday gave this information in a view exchange meeting at the DCC auditorium while experts emphasised dengue prevention measures ahead of the month of September when chances of the disease rises.

Increased awareness, better treatment facilities and steps taken by the government have helped control the outbreak of dengue, Adviser to the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry Anwarul Iqbal said while speaking as the chief guest.

In 2000, some 6,000 people were affected with the disease and 93 people died, the adviser said.

The situation improved during the following years and in 2006, 11 people died among around 3,000 patients, he added.

The best way of preventing dengue is to demolish the breeding grounds of aedes mosquito that spreads the viral disease, he said.

Chief Executive Officer of DCC Saifuddin Ahmed said colourful posters on dengue prevention have already been sent to some of the taxpayers of the city. The DCC is also collecting the record of the dengue patients from city's hospitals and clinics to identify the dengue prone areas and take immediate measures.

Prof MR Khan said dengue is also spreading outside the capital and the main symptoms of dengue is fever, severe ache in body and head and sometimes bleeding from cornea or other parts of the body.

"But the treatment is very simple. Paracetamol is enough for this fever. Tablets like Aspirin should not be taken. Besides, the patient has to take a lot of fluid," he said.

As the chances of dengue fever increases in September, the ward commissioners could campaign with the help of school students in the areas, said experts present at the meeting. Even motivation programmes in schools and mosques can help to remove the cans, empty boxes, tyres, flower vases that contain clear water and help breeding of aedes mosquito.

Focusing on the flood situation in the country, the speakers said everybody should extend their helping hands to the flood affected people.

The DCC ward commissioners were directed to make a list of the schools, colleges and community centres in their areas and make preparation for setting up camps if necessary.

Among others, Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Imdadul Haque Milon and actor Ilias Kanchan were present at the discussion presided over by DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka.