Aedes mosquito density up 13 times in Dhaka this monsoon

Dhaka, Aug 05 – The density of Aedes mosquitoes, the carrier of dengue disease, in the capital city of Dhaka has been increased for thirteen times more than before the advent of rainy season, according to sources in the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).“Not only the number of adult Aedes mosquito increased but the density of Lervicides of the mosquito comparatively much higher than before beginning of the season. The number of adult Aedes mosquito will increase further if they could come out from the Lervicides,” according to a survey conducted by the DGHS.
The density of Aedes Mosquito was 36 before the advent of the raining season when the first survey was carried out and the number increased to 487 later July when the second phase of survey was carried out.
The first survey was carried out after taking samples from 100 places of 98 wards of two city corporations of Dhaka from March 3 to March 12 while the latest survey was carried out from July 17 to 27 this year.
The survey revealed that the Lervicides of Aedes mosquito was found in stagnant water on abundant tyre, plastic-drum, blanket, open tank and flower vase.
Sources in the communicable disease control division of the DGHS said the numbers of both adult Aedes mosquito and Lervicides are increased and subsequently the number of dengue patient has also been increased.
Normally, the outbreak of dengue disease continues till September but it depends on as to how the Aedes mosquito could be controlled and consciousness of the people, sources added.
According to government statistics, at least 15,650 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals in the last month breaking all the previous record. The total number of dengue patients in 2018 was 10,148. The death number this year also higher than last year. At least 18 people died of dengue disease, according to government data but the genuine number of death would be higher than it.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Zahid Maleque yesterday claimed that the overall dengue situation is improving.
“A social movement has been started and the percentage of affected people is reducing for endavour of all and public consciousness. However it will take time to restore a normal situation,” he said while he was visiting patients at Manikganj Sadar Hospital.
In another development, secretary of Health Ministry Md Asadul Islam cancelled his programme to perform hajj this year along with his wife.
“At the current dengue situation in the country, I don’t think it rational to perform the Hajj, that’s why I have cancelled my programme,” he told reporters.
The secretary was supposed to travel to Saudi Arabia on Sunday. – Staff Reporter