Monsoon, as a season, is normally synonymous with passion; and for this reason, this season has been praised by our classical literature as a time for longing and companionship, especially among young lovers. However, the season has now become synonymous with terror in Bangladesh, especially in the urban areas because, during this particular period of the year, the mosquito menace takes a serious turn and various mosquito-borne diseases become endemic. However, the inhabitants of the capital city, in particular, are the worst sufferers of the menace. This year too, the dwellers of Dhaka city have been facing severe mosquito problems. If the authorities do not come forward with sincere efforts, this mosquito-borne disease might be even dangerous.
Even though the two city corporations declared plans for anti-mosquito crash programmes ahead of time in a bid to control the spread of dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases earlier this season, the reality does not speak of the materialisation of the plans. Everyone is aware how mosquito-borne diseases become endemic in Dhaka during monsoon and often take a heavy toll on people’s health and life. We have seen how the double attack by vector-borne diseases, dengue and chikungunya, have been putting the Dhaka people in great miseries for the last few years. And the difficult situation occurred due mainly to the failure of the responsible authorities in taking timely measures. It was not before chikungunya had afflicted large numbers of inhabitants of the capital Dhaka when the authorities concerned went into all-out measures towards rolling back the ailment. We definitely do not want to see the return of such a situation this year.
The Aedes mosquito is the carrier of dengue and chikungunya. Therefore, this mosquito breeding should be prevented, their breeding places should be destroyed, and protective measures should be taken at the earliest. This mosquito usually bites during the day. They lay eggs in clean and still water. So, it should not be let water stagnate anywhere. It is necessary to keep eyes especially on the corners of the house and on the veranda so that water does not accumulate there. Cans of soft drinks, tin containers, tires, earthen pots, bottles, coconut shells or anything that can hold water should not be left scattered around the house. Aedes mosquitoes are born in the water accumulated in these containers. Water, especially during this period, should not be conserved in the toilet bucket, drum, water tank or soil pits. In addition, all should sleep at least inside mosquito nets and, if they can afford to, should spray mosquito repellent regularly before going to bed. To prevent dengue, the health ministry, city corporations and the authorities related to the government will have to take effective steps, including eradication of mosquitoes. But first of all, it needs to create awareness among the people. In this regard, the government should regularly campaign in the media about the causes and prevention of dengue disease. Awareness at individual level can protect the people from mosquito-borne diseases.
