DSCC identifies 27 high-risk wards
With the monsoon season approaching and dengue concerns mounting, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched an intensified prevention strategy after a scientific survey identified widespread Aedes mosquito infestation risks across the capital’s southern areas.
A joint pre-monsoon survey conducted by DSCC and the Communicable Disease Control unit of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) found that 63 out of the city corporation’s 75 wards are vulnerable to Aedes mosquito breeding, while 27 wards have been classified as highly risky.
Based on the findings, DSCC has decided to begin targeted intervention programmes in the most affected areas to curb the spread of dengue and chikungunya.
Speaking to BSS, DSCC Chief Health Officer (Acting) Dr Nishat Parveen said the 12-day Aedes larval survey was conducted from May 12 to May 23. The study covered 2,250 households, selecting 30 households from each ward as sample units.
She said 36 trained field workers collected information using the digital data collection platform Kobo Toolbox to ensure greater accuracy and reliability of the findings.
The survey assessed mosquito density and dengue risk using internationally recognised entomological indicators, including the Breteau Index (BI), House Index (HI), Container Index (CI) and Pupa Index (PI).
According to the results, Aedes mosquito density has reached concerning levels in 63 wards, with conditions in 27 wards considered particularly alarming.
Inspectors visited 2,238 households during the survey and detected Aedes larvae or pupae in 281 premises. Multi-storey buildings accounted for the largest share of infestations at 35.23 percent. Larvae were also detected in 27.76 percent of standalone houses, 17.44 percent of under-construction buildings and 14.59 percent of semi-permanent structures.
DSCC officials said the findings show that breeding grounds are increasingly concentrated in urban residential settings, including rooftops of high-rise buildings, unused water reservoirs, air-conditioner trays, flower pots and basements of construction sites where stagnant water accumulates.
The survey suggests that dengue risks are no longer confined to slums or lower-income neighbourhoods but have expanded into modern residential complexes and developed urban areas.
The assessment also identified common household containers as major mosquito breeding sources. Around 12.26 percent of larvae were found in stagnant water collected on floors, while buckets accounted for 10.34 percent and plastic drums for 8.89 percent.
DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam said the corporation has already prepared a series of preventive measures based on the survey findings.
A five-day special crash programme will begin on June 7 in the 27 high-risk wards. Under the initiative, DSCC’s health and waste management departments will jointly conduct larval control operations, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, carry out cleanliness campaigns, remove accumulated waste, strengthen public awareness efforts and increase monitoring in vulnerable locations.
Salam said another phase of similar operations will be conducted in 36 wards identified as moderately vulnerable during the following week.
He noted that the city corporation is moving beyond conventional mosquito control measures and adopting a survey-based, data-driven approach to ensure resources are directed towards the most vulnerable areas.
As part of public engagement efforts, a dengue and chikungunya awareness rally was held on Saturday from Rabindra Sarobar. DSCC plans to expand the campaign gradually across other parts of the city to encourage broader public participation in prevention efforts.
Public health experts associated with the initiative stressed that preventing mosquito breeding is significantly more effective than focusing solely on eliminating adult mosquitoes.
Residents have therefore been urged to observe a weekly “Dry Day” by removing stagnant water from rooftops, balconies, construction sites, flower pots, drums, buckets and other locations where water may accumulate.
Abdus Salam emphasised that dengue prevention cannot be achieved by the city corporation alone. He called for coordinated action involving residents, media organisations, social groups, building owners and both public and private institutions.
He expressed hope that the combination of early intervention, ward-based operations and extensive awareness activities informed by scientific survey data would help reduce dengue transmission during this year’s monsoon season.
