Why so much negligence about dengue?

In recent years, dengue has been spreading widely in various cities across the country. As days go by, the outbreak of dengue is becoming more severe. There seems to be no way to control it. Although the two city corporations of Dhaka, along with other city corporations of the country, claim that they are making maximum efforts, it is now necessary to examine why the spread of dengue is not decreasing.

Fever, dengue, chikungunya, and coronavirus outbreaks have now appeared across the country, including the capital. Panic is spreading as soon as someone gets a fever. Doctors say that dengue is currently more prevalent. This disease may increase further in the next two months.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, from July 3 to 4 (within 24 hours), 204 people were hospitalised with dengue across the country. No deaths were reported. In that time, 57 dengue patients were admitted to public and private hospitals in Dhaka metropolitan area. Among them, 45 were admitted to 18 public and autonomous hospitals, and 12 to 59 private clinics and hospitals. The highest number of admissions was at Dhaka Medical College Hospital—26 in total.

Experts say the nature of dengue in the country has changed; on one hand, dengue has become more dangerous, and on the other hand, the 'urban disease' has gone beyond the city, increasing the risk nationwide. Meanwhile, regarding the dangerous condition of dengue even before the start of the monsoon, they say that dengue is now no longer related to the monsoon or rain. This is because Aedes mosquito larvae are now found in under-construction buildings, WASA meter boxes, and various other places. For these reasons, dengue is now not only a monsoon disease but a year-round one; not only Dhaka-centric but a national risk.

The daily patient list sent by the Directorate General of Health Services does not reflect the true state of dengue. The real picture is more alarming. The intermittent rainfall over the past few days has added to this concern. Public health experts believe that once full-scale rainfall begins, the situation will become even more dangerous.

If the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the sole source of dengue, can be prevented, dengue can be easily eradicated. Because prevention is better than cure. Although various initiatives have been taken at different times in the country, including recommendations and decisions by experts, very little has been achieved. It is now necessary to analyse why those plans and the recommendations of local and foreign experts were not implemented.

Doctors say the symptoms and signs of this year's dengue have changed. Many patients are testing negative, yet showing symptoms of dengue. Patients are suddenly deteriorating. This time, children’s brains, hearts, and kidneys are not functioning properly. Due to late hospital admissions, there is little time available, and within that short time, multiple organs are losing functionality, resulting in death. According to health experts, the number of patients admitted to hospital is four times less than the actual number of infected individuals.

Rather than debating whether the health department or the city corporation is responsible for the current dengue outbreak, it has become essential to take effective and sustainable measures to control it. Those who are responsible for the increasing outbreak of dengue in the country and those whose failures have led to this situation must be held accountable. At the same time, city residents must also remain vigilant. Therefore, only the combined efforts of the city corporation and the residents can solve the dengue problem.