Aedes mosquitoes: Myth vs Reality
Stagnant water is the most significant ground for Aedes to breed.
A blame game is going on over the outbreak of dengue fever in the country.
The civil society is castigating the city corporation and government for failing to control the situation.
Meanwhile, the government has accused people responsible for helping Aedes mosquito breed inside their households.
There is no denial that Bangladesh, with its dense population, has become one of the worst dengue-hit hotspots.
Hospitals are facing setbacks with the overflow of dengue patients.
According to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) sources, 22,919 dengue patients got admitted to different hospitals since January this year. Of these, 16,047 were released after treatment till today.
At least 13,182 people were infected with dengue in July.
Eighteen dengue patients died so far, as per DGHS data, but the unofficial death toll is much higher.
How does dengue spread?
Dengue virus transmits through Aedes aegypti mosquito species. Aedes begins breeding and dengue disease breaks out during monsoon. Stagnant water is the most significant ground for Aedes to breed.
What we don’t know
What can we do?
• Once or twice a week, turn over or throw out water from the items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, AC trays, car cover or trash containers.
• Check inside and outside home for any stagnant water.
• Larvae are often found inside glued flowerpot
• Spray mosquito repellent at every corner of the house, especially dark corners.
• Use coil or mosquito repellent smoke to kill mosquitoes outside of the house.
• Take out the clothes of your cupboard and dust them off. Mosquitoes hide inside clothes.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use mosquito net.
• Take mosquito repellent kits if you’re planning a trip.
• See a doctor immediately, if you have fever, with or without symptoms, and get test done.