HELEMUL ALAM
With rainfall starting in various parts of the country, the risk of an outbreak of Aedes mosquitoes -- carriers of dengue and chikungunya -- is rising significantly.
Experts warn that without prompt and effective measures to control mosquito breeding, the situation could worsen during the upcoming monsoon.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services, at least 14 dengue-related deaths have been reported this year, with 2,052 people hospitalised as of yesterday.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in one or two places across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions in the next 24 hours from 9:00am today.
Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry with some cloud cover.
Professor Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University, said the steady influx of nearly 50 dengue patients daily is concerning.
“This indicates a growing risk. Authorities must act quickly to eliminate potential breeding sites and control the Aedes population,” he said.
Entomologist GM Saifur Rahman noted that even light rainfall can cause a spike in dengue cases.
“The first generation of mosquitoes that matures after rain significantly increases the overall population. If BTI or other eco-friendly larvicides are applied now, a major outbreak can be prevented,” he said.
BTI is a naturally occurring soil bacterium used as a microbial insecticide to control mosquito larvae and other insects.
He added that while city corporation efforts were poorly coordinated last year, there has been some improvement this year -- though still limited.
Rahman stressed the need for local administrations to remain alert and called for dedicated mosquito control units across the country.
“Early detection of Aedes clusters is crucial. Once the rains begin, immediate drives to destroy breeding grounds and larvae are essential. Taking preventive action now is the key to avoiding a major outbreak,” he said.
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