Dengue infection is increasing due to climate change
Due to climate change, dengue infection is no longer a seasonal phenomenon, resulting in constant dengue outbreaks. Especially in the last few years, more or less dengue patients have been found throughout the year. At the same time, dengue infection is ongoing throughout the year in the country due to the lack of an effective coordinated national initiative to control mosquitoes.
This information was given by M. A. Mubin Khan, the president of the Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA), at a discussion meeting organized by the organization at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on December 4.
He said that dengue outbreaks usually start in the country before the monsoon. The period from May to September is considered the dengue season. However, due to climate change, dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes are not seasonal and are breeding and spreading throughout the year.
A joint initiative is needed to control dengue. At the same time, science-based measures must be taken. He also mentioned that controlling vector mosquitoes is the most important in this regard.
The speakers claimed that nearly everyone in the country, including the capital, is being discriminated against in the access to essential medicines for controlling dengue mosquitoes.
They claimed that regular spraying to kill Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue, is only conducted in wealthy areas, while underdeveloped regions and slums receive no treatment. Even if it is done, it appears suddenly. Even if requested, no results are obtained.
Professor Dr. Md Zafarullah Chowdhury, Vice President of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council, stated in his keynote speech that dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
It is a significant public health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted between humans through the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
He said that dengue fever presents various symptoms ranging from mild flu to severe and potentially fatal conditions.
Professor Dr Md is the Registrar of the Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Council. Humayun Kabir Talukder stated that dengue fever is typically diagnosed through the patient’s symptoms and their history of exposure to affected areas.
Laboratory tests that detect dengue virus antigens or antibodies in the blood are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, General Secretary of the BPMCA, stated that regularly emptying and cleaning water containers, disposing of waste properly, and ensuring good drainage can cut the risk of dengue by about 50 percent. He also advised using insect repellent mosquito nets, especially keeping children under mosquito nets.
