Alarming rise in dengue cases

The dengue outbreak in the capital has reached alarming proportions during the last two months, as this daily reported on July 10. The number of recorded dengue cases in May and June this year was more than five times that of the corresponding months of last year. Whereas around 946 people were infected with the disease in the entire month of July last year, only in the last nine days of July this year, 1,182 people have already been diagnosed with dengue.

The situation calls for immediate attention of the authorities concerned. Sadly, the statement of the Dhaka South City Corporation mayor who said that "the situation is under control" will not help in any way to fight the problem. Since already three people have died of the disease, it is time the government took all the necessary precautions to prevent the disease from spreading. As this is the breeding season of the Aedes mosquitoes, the two city corporations should intensify mosquito control and cleanliness drives in the city to protect its residents from this deadly disease. They should conduct massive awareness campaigns. And, as cases of haemorrhagic dengue are on the rise this year, the hospitals and clinics across the country should be well-prepared to provide the patients with proper treatment.

Another reason for worry is that the traditional insecticides have become less effective in destroying the mosquito-breeding grounds, as revealed by a study done some 14 months ago. Although this was known by the authorities, they took no initiative to address the insecticide problem. This just goes to show disregard for public health by the authorities concerned.

The responsible government agencies should give all-out efforts to combat this lethal disease before it takes on an epidemic proportion.