In this season of Dengue and Chikungunya -The Asian Age

The fresh spate of Dengue fever in the capital makes us concerned enough. According to the data provided by National Health Crisis Management Center and Control Room of the Department of Health, a total of 2,271 Dengue patients have already been admitted to different hospitals this year.

As many as 1,054 patients were admitted in August only. Already 10 people have died. In Bangladesh, four months, from July to October, are regarded as the time for Dengue and Chikungunya diseases. Hence, we cannot rule out the fear of increasing the number of Dengue affected patients in the coming days. Although we do not see the incidence of Chikungunya fever as yet, we have to be careful about this too.

To prevent Dengue and Chikungunya, health ministry, city corporations and the authorities related to the government will have to take effective steps, including eradication of mosquitoes. But first of all, it needs to create awareness among the people. In this regard, the government should regularly campaign in the media about the causes and prevention of Dengue disease. Awareness at individual level can protect the people from mosquito-borne diseases.

Aedes mosquito is the carrier of Dengue and Chikungunya. Therefore, this mosquito breeding should be prevented, their breeding places should be destroyed, and protective measures should be taken at the earliest. This mosquito usually bites during the day.

They lay eggs in clean and still water. So, it should not be let water stagnate anywhere. It is necessary to keep eyes especially on the corners of the house and on the verandah so that water does not accumulate there. Cans of soft drinks, tin containers, tires, earthen pots, bottles, coconut shells or anything that can hold water should not be left scattered around the house.

Aedes mosquitoes are born in the water accumulated in these containers. Water, especially during this period, should not be conserved in the toilet bucket, drum, water tank or soil pits. In addition to this, all should sleep at least in the mosquito net and, if they can afford to, should spray mosquito repellent regularly before going to bed.

It makes us disappointed when we see the people on a large scale are not aware enough even if they see others to suffer or die of these diseases around themselves. On an operation conducted in May last by Dhaka South City Corporation in its areas, Aedes mosquito larva was detected from 11 out of 18 houses.

This incident proves that mosquito control activities of the City Corporation are not constantly effective and that the people are not much aware of Aedes mosquito.

This is unexpected. To protect the residents of the capital from Dengue and Chikungunya, the two city corporations of Dhaka will have to be more active in destroying Aedes mosquito. To this end, the government, health ministry, media and all other relevant organizations will have to work together.