THE long spell of heat wave put people鈥檚 lives in extreme discomfort. Many have died of heat stroke. The effects of heat-related diseases were increasing. In such a situation, there was only one wish on everyone鈥檚 mind: the rain of peace. In many places, devout Muslims prayed for rain in the court of Almighty Allah by performing special prayers.
Finally, with the rain of peace, the soul of fresh respiration has returned to the hearts of people. But worryingly, with rain the production of mosquitoes has increased. After this heat, all the mosquito eggs that have high desiccation resistance were able to survive. Therefore, the larvae that will be produced in this hatch with more vitality will be stronger and more aggressive. Already breaking all the records from 2000 to 2022, the number of dengue infections and the number of deaths have set two new records in 2023. Calling the year 2023 the year of dengue panic would not be wrong.
But the horror that is being observed in 2024 after breaking that record is really scary. On this day of 2023, ie, May 16, the number of infected people was 1,292 and the number of deaths was 12 people. And today, May 16, 2024, the total number of infections is 2,569 and the number of deaths is 32. On top of this, sometimes the evil and unusual behaviour of nature makes the mosquito more powerful and reckless. Looking at the curve, it seems that all the factors of nature and human creation are in favour of mosquito breeding and spreading diseases. It is as if nothing is favourable to people from any side. Fresh rains bring relief to human life but also cause waterlogging, leading to an increase in mosquito breeding grounds. In the same way, by blocking the natural drains of sewers and water, we are making a sanctuary for mosquitoes. Any extreme environmental condition acts as an important regulator of mosquito resistance. Therefore, by measuring the intensity and excess of this resistance, developing a suitable prevention or control system against it will require foresight and prudence. No matter how strong mosquitoes are, control is only possible when the methods are integrated rather than isolated. Strong planning and coordination are essential if the ambitious SDG for public health is to be properly achieved.
For example, guidelines are needed for the city. Similarly, public awareness and compliance with guidelines are required for villages. If the mosquito, being a very small insect, can gain strength by being so intelligent and cunning, then why should we humans help them by pretending to be so intelligent? Water management and sanitation can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. When it rains in the city, if it is not properly drained, waterlogging will occur, which is the source of all the mosquito problems. Added to this is the stagnant water obstructing the discharge into various canals or lakes. Garbage thrown from neighbouring houses is rotting in this water, creating a murky state and a strange smell. This state of public life certainly does not evoke any comfortable feelings, but it is an intolerable situation. This extremely polluted water has turned into a factory of Culex mosquitoes, from which mosquitoes and flies are produced, causing suffering and spreading diseases to people.
The authorities must mobilise human resources and follow an integrated vector management policy in order to contain the dengue menace. The authorities must also learn from other countries such as Brazil that has been successful in containing the dengue menace.
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Dr Md Golam Sharower is professor and head of entomology, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine.
