Dengue danger looms again

Although the incidence of dengue is relatively low this year, its breakout in an epidemic form last year still haunts people. The apprehension of the disease unfolding equally or more viciously in the come breeding season of Aedes is always there. This is because there is a lack of urgency in eliminating the mosquitoes and their larvae in their breeding grounds. So far, erratic and often inadequate measures have been witnessed in destroying mosquito larvae. The situation was exacerbated by the disruption of anti-mosquito drives due to the recent unrest, setting the stage for the disease's return. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), two more dengue patients have succumbed to the disease and 98 new cases have been recorded in the 24 hours since Saturday morning. With 53 deaths already reported, there is the need to urgently launch an all-out programme.

Although the infection rate is lower this year, the death rate is double that of last year. This year, the mortality rate is about 1.0 per cent, compared to 0.53 per cent at this time last year. Public health experts attribute the higher death rate to delayed hospitalisation. Moreover, dengue has spread to all 64 districts this year. Unlike last year, when 59 per cent of cases were concentrated in Dhaka, the metropolis currently accounts for only 38 per cent of the total patient count. A lack of adequate healthcare facilities outside Dhaka is contributing to the rising death toll. Typically, dengue cases peak during the rainy season and then decline. However, recent monsoon patterns have shown increased rainfall in September and October. With predictions of more rainfall after the main monsoon season, experts fear a prolonged dengue outbreak. Therefore, there is no room for complacency because of the lower infection rate this year so far.

Entomologists and public health experts have raised concerns about the recent slowdown in anti-mosquito drives, which have either been suspended or significantly reduced due to the unrest surrounding the quota reform protests. This lapse in preventive measures may have led to increased mosquito breeding, setting the stage for a potential surge in dengue cases. The most immediate need is to resume and intensify anti-mosquito drives across all affected areas. Regular spraying of larvicide and community awareness campaigns should be resumed without delay.

Last but not least, the healthcare system must be prepared to handle a potential surge in dengue cases. Public health experts think there should be three-tiered approach to healthcare management: primary, secondary, and hospital care. Primary healthcare facilities in every city ward should be equipped for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the burden on hospitals. Secondary care should focus on groups at risk, including pregnant women, the elderly, and children. In the third tier, the healthcare facilities should be prepared from now on to tackle any possible outbreak. This includes improving manpower, medicines, and diagnostic facilities, especially at the village and upazila levels, to ensure early detection and treatment. It is imperative for the government, healthcare professionals, and the community to work together in order to obviate this threat to public health. Failure to act promptly could lead to a repeat of last year's devastating outbreak with even more severe consequences.