Dhaka, Sept 7 (V7N): Experts are warning of a potential deadly dengue outbreak in Bangladesh as irregular anti-mosquito campaigns continue due to the absence of local government representatives.

Following the fall of the Awami League government in early August, the removal of city and municipality mayors, along with zilla and upazila parishad chairmen, has left a void in overseeing mosquito control measures. Although administrators were appointed to fill in for the mayors, many councillors, particularly from Dhaka's two city corporations, have gone into hiding.

Officials reported that 80% of councillors from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 75% from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) are still missing, leaving essential anti-mosquito activities, such as fogging and larvicide spraying, largely unattended.

So far this year, 92 lives have been claimed by dengue, with 14,804 confirmed cases, of which 28 deaths and 8,505 cases were reported outside Dhaka.

Entomologist Kabirul Bashar from Jahangirnagar University predicted that the number of cases will rise further as recent rains have created breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, and local authorities remain inactive. He emphasized the need for public leadership in dengue control campaigns, especially with the absence of a mayor.

GM Saifur Rahman, another entomologist, added that surveillance, crucial for detecting Aedes mosquito clusters and breeding sites, has been missing even in major cities. He warned that the infection rate may continue rising until mid-October.

Bangladesh's current case fatality rate for dengue stands at 0.61%, up from 0.5% in 2023, with delayed hospital admissions contributing to higher risks. By comparison, Sri Lanka's fatality rate was just 0.04% in July, thanks to systematic efforts and modern health management.

In Sri Lanka, health teams immediately respond to dengue cases, destroying breeding grounds and tracking other infections. Bangladesh's anti-mosquito programs, however, lack similar coordination, according to Professor HM Nazmul Ahsan from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

Sher Ali, Administrator of DSCC, assured reporters that larvae-killing drives are still conducted regularly, while DNCC formed 10 teams on September 2 to raise awareness and monitor the mosquito control efforts.

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