UNB, Dhaka :
The dengue situation might worsen in the months of August and September, according to health experts.
Despite the government’s visible preventive measures, the numbers of cases and fatalities from dengue fever are rising day by day as a record number of dengue cases and deaths were reported in the country in the first six months of this year.
According to experts, the pattern of Aedes mosquitoes has changed as it has now become much “smarter” than before.
Prof. Dr. Kabirul Bashar, Entomologist of Jahangirnagar University, said, “The dengue situation may worsen in the running month. During our research in the laboratory, we make a model after analyzing some factors, including the density of Aedes mosquito population, number of dengue patients, temperature, humidity and rainfall. It is clear that the dengue situation may worsen in the coming days. It could take a serious turn in the months of August and September.”
“At this moment it is important to manage dengue hotspots and use fogging to combat Aedes mosquitoes in those areas where dengue has already spread. In that case, the authorities can detect the infected people through their address and kill the mosquitoes through fogging machines, because as long as these mosquitoes remain alive, dengue will spread in all the areas,” he said.
He also urged city dwellers to combat dengue and ensure that Aedes mosquitoes do not accumulate in their homes and yards.
55 wards in Dhaka at high risk
According to a survey conducted in 98 wards — under Dhaka North and South city corporations — by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), from June 18 to 27, 55 wards are at high risk of dengue.
During the survey in 40 wards of Dhaka North City Corporation and 58 wards in South City Corporation, Aedes larvae were found in 43.53% multipurpose buildings, 21.31% houses and 18.21% under construction buildings.
The wards which are at high risk of dengue under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are: No 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37 and 38. The areas include Mirpur, Pallabi, Mazar Road, Pirer Bagh, Monipur, Shewrapara, Kafrul, Ibrahimpur, Khilkhet, Kuril, Joar Shahara, Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara, Mohakhali, Rampura, Khilgaon, Malibagh, Karwanbazar, Tejturi Bazar, Agargaon, Mohammadpur, Baitul Aman, Moghbazar, Iskaton and Badda.
The wards which are at high risk of dengue under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)are: No 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 33, 34, 36, 41, 44, 46, 48, 50, 51, 54, 55 and 57. The areas include Goran, Meradia, Basabo, Sabujbagh, Mugda, Madartek, Fakirapool, Arambagh, Shahjahanpur, Rajarbagh, Old Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, dhanmondi, Rayerbazar, Nilkhet, Science Laboratory, Elephant Road, Minto Road, Kakrail, Hazaribagh, Lalbagh, Azimpur, Palashi, Bongshal, Siddiquebazar, Shakharibazar, Wari, Sutrapur, Mill Barrack, Sayedabad, North Jatrabari, Mirhazaribagh, Dholaipar, Gendaria, Jurain and Kamrangirchar.
