Dengue may take severe turn in October, warns State Minister

State Minister for Health Dr A M A Muhit has warned that the dengue situation could take a severe turn this season. He said there is a risk of a surge in dengue cases from the last week of September through October, urging everyone to remain vigilant before October to keep the situation under control.

The state minister was briefing journalists in the parliament tunnel on Sunday afternoon, September 6.

He said data analysis indicates that the dengue outbreak could intensify from the last week of September to October. Therefore, precautionary measures must be stepped up from now. If timely action is not taken, the situation could become alarming.

The state minister said 13 deaths from dengue have been recorded this year so far, which is still lower than the previous year. However, he said field-level anti-dengue activities would be intensified from tomorrow, with public participation, to keep the situation under control.

He said awareness campaigns will also be conducted on social media alongside field-level activities. Calling on the media to play a vital role in dengue prevention, he emphasised keeping all areas clean, including educational institutions and hospitals.

The state minister specifically urged effective initiatives to keep the capital Dhaka free of mosquito breeding grounds. He said dengue prevention is not the sole responsibility of the government; preventive activities must be carried out at the field level with public involvement.

Urging everyone to remain aware and cautious throughout September and October, he said the dengue outbreak can be kept under control through collective efforts.