Why so much neglect in dengue prevention?

In recent years, dengue has been making a significant impact in various cities across the country. With each passing day, the severity of dengue is increasing. Efforts to control dengue have proven ineffective. While the government claims to be making maximum efforts, it is now essential to investigate why the prevalence of dengue is not decreasing.

On Saturday, ten people died of dengue, marking the highest daily death toll from the disease this year. Typically, dengue infections decline in November, leading to a decrease in mortality rates as well. However, the rise in deaths at the beginning of this month has raised concerns among public health experts and doctors.

Experts say that the strain of dengue in the country has changed, making the disease more dangerous. Dengue, which was once considered an "urban disease," has now increased risks nationwide. They warn that with the onset of the monsoon season, the dangerous status of dengue should not be overlooked; the connection between dengue and the rainy season is no longer relevant. Aedes mosquito larvae are now accumulating in various places, including construction sites and water meter boxes. As a result, dengue has become a year-round threat, not just limited to Dhaka, but affecting the entire country.

The daily reports sent by the health department do not accurately reflect the true situation of dengue. The real picture is even more alarming, especially with recent intermittent rains raising further concerns. Public health experts believe that if this trend continues, we will face a dire situation.

If we can prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which are the sole source of dengue, then eradication of the disease is possible. Prevention is always better than cure. Despite various initiatives, expert recommendations, and decisions taken at different times in the country, little has been accomplished. There is a pressing need to analyze why these plans and the suggestions of local and international experts have not been implemented.

Doctors indicate that the symptoms and signs of this year's dengue have changed. Many patients are testing negative even though they exhibit dengue-like symptoms. Patients are deteriorating rapidly, and this time, children are experiencing issues with their brains, hearts, and kidneys. Due to delays in getting patients to the hospital, there is less time to intervene, resulting in multiple organ failures and, ultimately, death. Health experts estimate that for every patient hospitalized, four more are infected.

In light of the ongoing dengue crisis, it is essential to move beyond debates over whether the health department or city corporations are to blame. Effective and sustainable measures must be taken to control dengue. Those responsible for the continuous rise in dengue cases and those whose failures have led to this situation should be held accountable. Simultaneously, urban residents must remain vigilant. Only a combined effort from the city corporations and the public can effectively address the dengue problem.