Dengue outbreak: A checklist for Eid vacation
Faster spread feared after holiday
As many residents are expected to leave Dhaka for the Eid vacation, experts are concerned about the potential increase in dengue breeding grounds that may emerge during this period of vacant households. Without adequate measures in place, the empty houses become potential hotspots for stagnant water accumulation, the ideal breeding habitat for Aedes mosquitoes.
Experts are urging all residents to keep all containers dry before leaving, ensuring no water is left stagnant in or around households. Cleaning activities within the premises are also strongly advised to eliminate any existing stagnant water sources and minimise potential breeding sites.
Besides, they suggest that all pots and containers should be turned upside down, preventing water accumulation. Also, covering commodes with appropriate lids or using plastic wrap can help prevent the formation of stagnant water within toilets.
"Everyone should clean their house properly and observe so that no container remains left with water, before leaving their home for Eid vacation," said entomologist GM Saifur Rahman of the National University.
Individuals experiencing dengue-like symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, must seek medical advice and undergo appropriate diagnostic tests. City corporations should increase their anti-mosquito drives around bus terminals, to prevent the migration of infected mosquitoes to other districts through vehicles.
"By eliminating potential breeding sites, individuals can significantly reduce the chances of Aedes mosquitoes finding suitable conditions to lay their eggs," he said.
He also said that applying mosquito repellent creams, lotions, or sprays can provide an additional layer of protection against mosquito bites and minimise the risk of contracting dengue.
Furthermore, Saifur Rahman expressed concern about the potential spread of dengue virus within and beyond Dhaka as a result of the mass movement of people during the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. He warned that asymptomatic dengue patients, unknowingly carrying the virus, may travel to different districts to join their loved ones, thereby increasing the chances of local transmission in those areas.
To mitigate this risk, Saifur Rahman emphasized the importance of early detection and prompt medical attention for suspected dengue cases. He urged individuals experiencing dengue-like symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, to seek medical advice and undergo appropriate diagnostic tests.
He also emphasised the necessity of conducting proper mosquito spraying before commencing journeys to prevent the migration of infected mosquitoes to other districts through vehicles.
City corporations should increase their anti-mosquito drives around bus terminals, Saifur said.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 40 dengue patients have died so far till yesterday this year, while the total number of cases is 6,339, of which 1,404 are from outside Dhaka.
According to entomologist Manzur A Chowdhury, the dengue situation in the country has reached a concerning level with widespread transmission already occurring. He noted that while typically viral patients during Eid would contribute to local transmission, this year is different as local transmission has already begun.
Some viral patients may travel to districts where the dengue virus has not yet disseminated, increasing the risk of local transmission in those areas. Manzur emphasised the significance of using mosquito nets both during the day and at night to prevent mosquito attacks wherever individuals may be.
He criticised the government for failing to effectively control Aedes mosquitoes, claiming that their surveillance efforts and anti-mosquito campaigns were insufficient and emphasised the need for year-round anti-mosquito campaigns to prevent reproduction.
He urged the removal of potential breeding sites, such as pots, abandoned tyres, broken basins, and commodes, and urged the authorities to collect such refuse as soon as possible and demanded the availability of insecticides for public use and urged students to wear protective apparel (shorts with long sleeves and long pants).