At the moment we are facing an unprecedented national calamity stemming from COVID-19. We are all the more perturbed to know that dengue too may join in compounding our miseries. Entomologists warn us that COVID-19 and dengue outbreak may happen simultaneously if steps are not taken immediately. Though the number of dengue cases reported is so far low compared to last year, experts are warning of an outbreak as July to September is the period when cases are likely to peak. According to a distinguished entomologist, we are still getting high density of Aedes mosquito at different spots in the capital city for which there is a possibility of mounting dengue cases in August. Six areas of Dhaka city are found to have an alarming level of Aedes mosquito density. Water-holding cointainers in houses in those areas are found infested with Aedes larvae. 

While it is true the number of dengue cases this year is relatively low, there are a mumber of factors contributing to this. Less cases of dengue are being reported as people are reluctant to go to hospital with fever as hospitals refuse to admit patients with this common symptom, fearing them to be COVID- infected. Moreover, COVID-19 patients in hospitals are not in many cases being tested for dengue. Another reason is that people are going out of their houses
less, which means the viral transmission rate is lower. Dengue cases usually peak in August but can also happen in July or September. So, there is still a chance of increasing dengue cases in the coming months. It is a solace for us that the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) does not predict a large outbreak in Dhaka this year. Last year, serotype-3 was the main cause of the outbreak and as long as a new serotype of the virus does not emerge in the city, a large-scale outbreak is not expected. This is because many people in the city have developed antibody for serotype-3.
People have become more alert about keeping their homes clean, due to which the rate of transmission is lower than before. The city corporations are also taking various measures for which the number of dengue cases this year is low. However, there are still chances of getting more dengue cases from outside Dhaka, for which the authorities concerned will have to take necessary steps to control Aedes mosquitoes outside Dhaka. It’s a good news that DSCC has undertaken mosquito-control activities under a master plan since June1. They will start mobile courts from August 1 to take actions against owners of places where Aedes larvae is found. However, cleaning activities across the country should be launched immediately to stop menace of dengue.