But the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) is yet to wake up and launch an effective anti-mosquito drive to destroy Aedes mosquito, carrier of dengue virus.

Admission of a dengue patient to CMCH about two weeks ago created the scare.

The 12-member committee headed by Prof Sultanul Alam held a meeting for three days. Another meeting is likely on May 21 to launch a training programme for doctors and create public awareness, the sources said.

The committee was formed during the dengue onslaught last year but it went into 'hibernation' when spread of infection tapered off.

CMCH authorities have readied six units under its medicine and paediatrics departments and attached trained doctors to those for treatment of dengue patients.

Talking to this correspondent Prof Alam said "We are well prepared to tackle dengue related cases. We have collected kits, a blood separation machine and medicines.

"We have taken all necessary steps after receiving instruction from the health ministry and are activating all our people here", Prof Alam said.

"But we need to go a massive public campaign to combat the disease" he observed.

Experts fear a dengue epidemic this year in the port city and its surrounding areas. Stagnant water in those areas will enliven the larvae left last year by Aedis mosquito. The larvae, if not destroyed, survives at least for one year, they said.

"We need a serious drive to destroy the larvae in all breeding places" said an expert.

CCC sources said plan is underway to step up its anti-mosquito drive.