April 25 2001

Experts have cautioned that deadly disease dengue might break out in the city within a few days like the previous year, if integrated measures are not taken immediately to control breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

As there is rain on and often, accumulation of translucent rainwater in small reservoirs, would help dormant eggs of Aedes mosquitoes to be hatched into larvae within a few days.

The larvae will emerge as adults and multiple the population of the insects rapidly causing havoc to the health of the city dwellers, experts apprehended while talking to The Bangladesh Observer.

"This year the situation will be more vulnerable than that of the previous year. If necessary measures are not taken right now," Prof. Ismail Hossain of the Department of Zoology, Dhaka University said adding that concerted efforts should have been taken from the beginning of April.

Dr. Abul Hasnat, who has been working with Prof M. N. Alam on dengue for quite a long time, cautioned that a disastrous situation might be created this year. "Those who suffered from dengue fever last year, bear maximum possibility to be caught by dengue haemorrhagic fever this year if another type of virus is injected into the body". There are four types of dengue virus-DEM-1 to 4.

Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has a Mosquito Control committee but it is yet to hold any meeting to work out ways and means to combat the deadly disease that claimed nearby 100 lives last year.

An official of the DCC said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has disbursed US dollar two million to four city corporations- Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong and Rajshahi to combat any outbreak of dengue but no effort has apparently been taken as yet in this regard.

"Apart from organising a seminar and buying some kits, the DCC has not yet undertaken any preventive activity to combat outbreak of dengue fever," he lamented.

Convenor of DCC's Mosquito Control Technical Committee Humayun Kabir said that they would sit with mosquito expert Prof. Islamil Hossain immediately and work out an action plan to create public awareness through news media and other means as soon as possible.

"We will strengthen our total activities in mid May when the rain will start in full swing," he added. The experts stressed the need for taking preventive measures and said breeding places of ades mosquitoes should be destroyed to control the dengue fever. (The Bangladesh Observer)