Bangladesh may witness worse dengue outbreak this year: Experts
Md Baijid Mollah
Directorate General of Health Services has issued a warning that people who have previously had dengue and recovered will not be affected by the same type of dengue. However, if affected by a different type of dengue, there is a risk of death. Entomologist and Professor Dr Kabirul Bashar has stated that dengue cases are likely to increase from this month in and outside Dhaka.
Due to climate change, Aedes larvae are now found in drain water, and Aedes mosquitoes are born throughout the year due to the accumulation of water in parking areas in buildings in addition to rain. Experts have advised all organizations, including city corporations, municipalities, and union parishads, to play a strong role in controlling Aedes mosquitoes.
According to the DGHS, Aedes larvae were found in various places, including high-rise buildings, under-construction buildings, flower tubs and trays, plastic containers, and waterlogged floors.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Tajul Islam has instructed the mayors of Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporations to take all measures in advance to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and eliminate waterlogging. The Minister added that activities to prevent dengue will be conducted until December.
In Bangladesh, dengue has become a serious concern. In 2019, about 1.13 lakh people were affected, and dengue spread in 64 districts of the country. In 2022, 62, 321 people were infected with dengue, and 281 people died.
A World Bank (WB) study report released last year found a wider link between the shifting climatic conditions and the increase in dengue and some other diseases in Bangladesh. With climate change, the risk of dengue spread can be higher in the country, mainly in Dhaka and Chattogram cities, in the future.
The report also predicted that average temperatures across Bangladesh will rise by 1.4 degrees Celsius by 2050 while annual rainfall is likely to increase by 74 millimeters by 2040-2059.
