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Barguna, a coastal district in southern Bangladesh, is facing a precarious dengue outbreak, with Aedes mosquito density reaching eight times the high-risk threshold in some areas, according to a recent government survey.
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) found that the Breteau Index, a scale to measure mosquito infestation, stood at 163.04 in Barguna Sadar, far above the danger level of 20.
In the municipal area, the index was 47.10, more than double the threshold, reports bdnews24.com.
The findings, shared by IEDCR Director Tahmina Shirin at a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday, suggested the outbreak is being driven by water stored in open drums and containers due to a local drinking water shortage.
“Most larvae were found in rainwater collected in uncovered drums and household containers,” Tahmina said.
“Covering water storage and ensuring cleanliness are essential to controlling the mosquito population.”
The district now accounts for over a quarter of all hospitalised dengue patients in Bangladesh this year.
Of the 8,870 admitted nationwide this year, 2,427, or 27.36 percent, are from Barguna.
Six of the country’s 32 dengue-related deaths have occurred in the district.
She warned that the true scale of the outbreak may be worse, as many cases in the community remain unreported.
“If we could reach more community-level patients, the number would likely be significantly higher.”
The survey, conducted between Jun 16 and 22, also revealed the presence of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Control strategies, officials say, must consider the presence of both species.
Genome sequencing of local cases showed that 46.5 percent were infected with the DENV-3 strain, 39.5 percent with DENV-2, and the remaining 14 percent with both.
Officials are urging residents to cover water containers and avoid stagnant water to curb breeding.
“Public awareness and community participation are now critical to containing the outbreak,” said Tahmina.