July dengue cases exceed June total

• Dengue cases in July (5,985) already crossed June's total (5,951)
• 18 deaths reported in July so far; June saw 19
• Experts warn August could see triple the cases
• Monsoon rain creating ideal breeding conditions
• All 64 districts now vulnerable, say entomologists

Though July is yet to end, the number of dengue cases has already surpassed the total figure recorded in June, indicating an alarming rise in the mosquito-borne disease across the country.

According to the DGHS, at least 18 dengue-related deaths were reported as of July 18, compared to 19 in the entire month of June. In terms of infections, 5,985 cases have been recorded so far this month, already exceeding June's total of 5,951.

DGHS data shows that dengue cases were relatively low earlier in the year, with 1,161 cases in January, 374 in February, 336 in March, 701 in April, and 1,773 in May. Deaths during the same period were 10 in January, three in February, seven in April, and three in May.

Experts warned the situation could worsen significantly in August due to the current rainfall pattern, which creates ideal conditions for the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the virus.

"Intermittent rain is highly favourable for the spread of the dengue virus, which is already present across the country," said entomologist GM Saifur Rahman.

He said Aedes mosquitoes are more active during overcast or gloomy weather, which has persisted nationwide. "During the monsoon, the number of dengue cases can be up to nine times higher than during the dry season," he said.

Saifur urged all to take precautions, such as wearing full-sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets, and conducting regular cleaning drives at home to eliminate breeding grounds, including rooftops.

He also criticised the authorities for inadequate anti-mosquito drives. "They often fail to conduct proper operations in infected areas and even in homes where cases are reported," he said.

Jahangirnagar University entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar predicted that August may see at least three times as many dengue cases as July, with a possible further increase in September.

"The current rain pattern is one of the main causes behind the surge. Once the outbreak starts, cases tend to increase at a geometric rate," Bashar said.

He emphasised the need for widespread larva and breeding site control. "When both mosquito populations and infected individuals rise simultaneously, the disease spreads rapidly," he said.

Bashar called for targeted hotspot management around the homes of dengue patients to kill adult mosquitoes and prevent further breeding. He also highlighted the need for mosquito control in hospitals where patients are being treated. "Hospitals can become easy sources of transmission if Aedes mosquitoes bite infected patients and then others," he warned.

"Without active community involvement in removing breeding sources at the household level, dengue will be difficult to control," he added.

Regarding the situation outside Dhaka, Bashar warned that all 64 districts are now vulnerable. "Aedes mosquitoes have spread across the country," he said.

He called on the Local Government Ministry to instruct deputy commissioners, municipalities, and city corporations to launch immediate mosquito control campaigns.

"The ministry should supply insect growth regulators (IGRs) to local bodies or allow them to procure and distribute these with proper guidance," he said.