27 wards in DNCC at high risk of dengue: survey

A total of 27 wards under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have been identified as high-risk zones for dengue, while larval density of Aedes mosquitoes has reached alarming levels in 63 out of 75 wards, according to a pre-monsoon survey.

The findings were presented on Thursday (June 4) at an event at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, where DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Abu Salam outlined the survey results and response plan.

The survey was jointly conducted by DSCC and 36 officials from the Health Department’s Communicable Disease Control unit between May 12 and May 23, using the Kobo Toolbox digital data collection system. Data was gathered from 2,250 households across the city corporation area.

According to the survey, Aedes larvae and pupae were found in 281 inspected households. Breeding hotspots were detected in 35.23 per cent of multi-storey buildings, 27.76 per cent of single-unit houses, 17.44 per cent of under-construction buildings, and 14.59 percent of semi-pucca structures.

Stagnant water on floors accounted for 12.26 per cent of breeding sites, followed by buckets (10.34 per cent) and plastic drums (8.89 per cent), the report said.

Based on the findings, DSCC will launch a five-day special “crash programme” from June 7 in the 27 high-risk wards, focusing on coordinated sanitation and health interventions. A similar campaign will later be extended to 36 moderately risky wards.

A dengue and chikungunya awareness rally will also be held on June 6 at Robindro Sorobor in Dhanmondi, with similar programmes planned in other areas in phases.

Speaking at the event, DSCC Administrator Abu Salam said dengue control cannot be achieved through government efforts alone, stressing the need for active citizen participation.

He urged residents to maintain cleanliness at homes and workplaces and remove stagnant water every three days, while calling on media outlets to help spread accurate information.