As temperatures begin to soar with the onset of summer, concerns over dengue are intensifying among residents of Dhaka.

The specter of dengue has loomed large since the start of the year, following alarming reports of dengue cases in 2023 that shattered previous records for both infections and fatalities. Last year alone, Dhaka witnessed an alarming 321,179 dengue cases, resulting in 1,705 deaths, marking the highest toll on record.

Experts emphasize the critical need for sustained mosquito control efforts year-round by city corporations and relevant authorities to mitigate the spread of dengue.

Despite assurances and pledges of readiness from Dhaka city corporations and concerned stakeholders, actual actions have often fallen short of expectations. Even with heightened preparations last year, desired outcomes remained elusive.

However, officials from city corporations maintain optimism regarding this year's preparations, believing they will play a pivotal role in dengue prevention.

According to the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS), Bangladesh witnessed its first dengue cases in 2000, with 5,551 hospitalizations and 93 deaths. While subsequent years saw a decline, cases surged again from 2019 onwards.

In 2019, over 100,000 dengue hospitalizations were reported, with 179 fatalities. Dengue infections remained low in 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, but fatalities increased in subsequent years, with 281 deaths in 2022.

Expert Insights: Climate shifts have significantly altered rainfall patterns in Bangladesh, rendering traditional dengue control methods inadequate. Hence, experts advocate for year-round measures to combat mosquito populations, urging strengthened and more effective efforts by local governments, city corporations, and municipalities.

Jahangirnagar University's Zoology Department Prof Dr Kabirul Bashar underscores the urgency of proactive measures, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas and heightened public awareness campaigns.

Preparedness of City Corporations: Dr Fazle Shamsul Kabir, Chief Health Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), underscores ongoing efforts to combat dengue, including mosquito control measures and public awareness initiatives.

Meanwhile, Mir Khairul Alam, CEO of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), highlights DNCC's proactive approach, including identifying dengue hotspots and deploying modern interventions under expert guidance. He expresses hope that this year's preparations will yield more effective results compared to previous efforts.