STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Among the 75 wards under Dhaka South City Corporation, 63 were found to have Aedes mosquito densities above the prescribed threshold, while 27 have been identified as being at extreme risk of dengue transmission.

The findings were announced yesterday by DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam at a programme titled “Presentation of Pre-Monsoon Aedes Larvae Survey Results and Action Plan” at Nagar Bhaban.

The survey was conducted from May 12 to May 23 by a 36-member team from DSCC and the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the Directorate General of Health Services.

Data were collected from 2,250 households using the KoboToolbox digital data collection platform.

According to the survey, Aedes mosquito larvae and pupae were found in 281 of the households inspected.

Among the premises where larvae were detected, 35.23 percent were multi-storey buildings, 27.76 percent detached or single-family houses, 17.44 percent under-construction buildings, and 14.59 percent semi-permanent houses.

The most common breeding sources were water accumulated on floors, 12.26 percent; buckets, 10.34 percent; and plastic drums, 8.89 percent.

Based on the findings, DSCC will launch a five-day special crash programme from June 7 in the 27 highest-risk wards. The programme will be jointly coordinated by its Health Department and Waste Management Department.

The same programme will be extended to the 36 moderately at-risk wards the following week.

A public awareness rally on dengue and chikungunya prevention will also be held on June 6 from Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi. Similar awareness activities will be organised in other areas in phases.

Speaking at the event, Abdus Salam said dengue control could not be achieved through government efforts alone.

Calling for active participation from citizens, he said, “People must develop the habit of keeping their homes and workplaces clean and removing stagnant water every three days.”