DHAKA, June 6, (V7N) – The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has begun extensive preparations to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya ahead of the monsoon season, following a pre-monsoon survey that identified a large number of high-risk areas. The survey, conducted jointly by DSCC and the DGHS Communicable Disease Control unit, found that 63 of the city corporation's 75 wards are at risk of Aedes mosquito infestation, with 27 classified as highly vulnerable.

The 12-day Aedes larval survey was carried out from May 12 to May 23, covering 2,250 households (30 from each ward) using the digital Kobo Toolbox platform. According to the findings, Aedes mosquito density in 63 wards has reached an alarming level. Multi-story buildings accounted for the highest proportion of infested premises at 35.23 percent, followed by standalone houses at 27.76 percent.

The survey revealed that rooftops of high-rise buildings, unused water tanks, air-conditioner trays, flower pots, and construction-site basements have become major breeding grounds. About 12.26 percent of larvae were found in water accumulated on floors, 10.34 percent in buckets, and 8.89 percent in plastic drums, highlighting that everyday household containers remain major sources of Aedes breeding.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam announced a five-day special crash program in the 27 high-risk wards beginning June 7, under which health and waste management departments will jointly conduct larval control operations, destroy breeding sites, carry out cleanliness drives, and intensify monitoring. Similar operations will be conducted in another 36 moderately risky wards the following week.

Public health experts emphasized that eliminating mosquito breeding sites is more effective than killing adult mosquitoes. Residents have been urged to observe a weekly "Dry Day" by removing stagnant water from homes, rooftops, balconies, and surrounding areas. Salam stressed that coordinated participation from citizens, media, social organizations, and institutions is essential to control Aedes mosquitoes.

END/AJ/RH