Experts emphasize on community engagement to control dengu outbreak

Dengue outbreak situation is getting worse day by day. Health experts are emphasizing on community mobilization to control dengue outbreak.

Since the late June, dengue cases are increasing rapidly in the country, both urban and rural areas. Many dengue cases are detected outside Dhaka city, said Dr Mushtaq Hossain, Adviser to Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control & Research (IEDCR).

He told, it is impossible for a single institution to handle the situation.

At the same time, it is necessary to set up test booths in different places of Dhaka and other cities to detect dengue quickly. He advised to go to the doctor immediately if symptoms of dengue appear.

He also urges to Dhaka South and North city corporations to create more volunteers so that the situation will be under controlled.
The director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Dr. Tahmina Shireen said, "we need to take preventive measures, especially to control the outbreak of dengue, destroy the breeding source of Aedes mosquito."

"city dwellers should be careful about stagnant water. Even a small amount of water can breed Aedes mosquitoes, which causes the spread of such a deadly disease'', she said.

Dengue detection rate will increase in August and September as these two months are the best time for Aedes mosquito breeding, said another Entomologist Dr Kabirul Bashar.

He also urged the two city corporations of Dhaka to strengthen the coordinated efforts and related organizations to control the dengue outbreak.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on July 8, 3,870 dengue cases were reported while total figure stood at 12,118, this year. Seventeen dengue patients died between July 1 and 8 while total deaths from dengue reached 67 so far.