Rajshahi, Nov 09 (V7N)- The dengue outbreak in Rajshahi has continued to worsen as the number of patients and fatalities rise, while the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) faces significant challenges in executing anti-mosquito operations. Due to an insufficient supply of anti-mosquito drugs, RCC’s mosquito control efforts have been largely halted, increasing public concern.

RCC reports that the city has approximately 450 km of drains, which require regular treatment with larvicide and adulticide to control mosquito populations. Despite this, RCC’s supplies are nearly exhausted, with only 100 liters of larvicide and 200 liters of adulticide remaining. The corporation spends roughly one crore taka annually on mosquito control, including drugs and kerosene diesel costs, but supply constraints have stalled these efforts.

Dengue cases have surged this year. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (Ramek) is facing a steady influx of patients, with around 2,894 cases reported in the division from January to November 2024. Ramek Hospital currently has 70 dengue patients, and five fatalities have been reported this year.

City residents are frustrated by the lack of mosquito control efforts. “Mosquitoes are biting us day and night, even coils aren’t helping,” said Sajib Jaiswal, a resident of Saheb Bazar. Similarly, Nazmul Islam from Dash Pond area expressed concern, stating, “If the City Corporation hasn’t sprayed for mosquitoes yet, when will they? It feels pointless once the dengue season ends.”

Chief Clean Officer Sheikh Md. Mamun acknowledged the shortage, explaining that current supplies would only cover limited operations until December. He added, “We plan to apply larvicide until December, but beyond that, we have no supplies left.”

RCC Administrator Dewan Md. Humayan Kabir assured the public that efforts are underway to address the crisis. "We have one crore and 43 lakh taka approved to purchase these essential drugs. The tendering process is ongoing, and we hope to procure and apply the medicine soon,” he stated, calling on the government for additional support as Rajshahi battles the ongoing dengue crisis.

END/RA/AJ