Dengue situation in many Dhaka areas alarming: survey

High density of Aedes larvae were found in 29 wards of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and 12 wards in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), showing an alarming picture this season.

In DSCC, wards 3, 4, 5, 13, 16, 15, 17, 23, 52, 54 are risky while 12, 13, 20, 36, 31, 32, 17, and 33 wards are termed risky in DNCC.

The information was revealed in a survey conducted by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The pre-monsoon survey, conducted from April 17 to April 26 on 3,152 houses in 99 wards under the two cities, found Aedes mosquitoes larvae in 463 houses.

Among the houses, 42.33 percent are high-rise buildings, 21.6 percent are individual houses, 21.6 percent under-construction buildings, 12.74 percent semi-concrete houses and 1.73 percent open spaces.

Prof Sheikh Daud Adnan, line director Communicable Disease Control of DGHS, presented the survey report at a workshop at Shasthay Bhaban, chaired by DGHS Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam.

Responding to a question about partial data collection of dengue patients, Dr Md Robed Amin, line director of Non-Communicable Disease Control of the DGHS, said they are holding meetings with the private hospitals to introduce an online system about the data of outdoor patients.

He also said they will introduce the system in both government and private hospitals shortly.

"If everyone is not aware about it (Aedes mosquitoes), it will take a serious turn this year," said Prof ABM Abdullah.

Every government organisations like Rajuk, Civil Avial Authority of Bangladesh and Cantonment Board will have to work together to control the Aedes mosquitoes, he added.