Govt prepared to tackle possible dengue peak in Nov: Muhit
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit on Tuesday (27 October) said the government is preparing for a possible increase in dengue cases in November, traditionally part of the peak transmission period.
"We know that dengue usually peaks during October-November and we are anticipating the same this year," he told BSS.
Noting that the government had warned in late August that the period from the last week of September through October and November would be critical and that preparations had to begin in advance, the state minister said, "The government has since intensified both prevention and treatment measures."
On prevention, he said, a large number of volunteers, particularly young people, have been mobilised for cleaning activities, while city corporations have intensified their cleaning operations.
"Dhaka has not become completely clean, but as a citizen, I can say from my own experience that the city now looks cleaner than before," Dr Muhit said.
In addition, he said, with cooperation from the Bangladesh Society of Medicine and medicine specialists across the country, around 2,000 doctors were given refresher training last month specifically on the management of dengue patients.
"As a result, it has been possible to reduce the mortality rate by around 40 percent compared with the mortality rate three or four years ago," the state minister said.
He urged everyone to remain vigilant through November and called on the media to continue raising public awareness about dengue and the importance of timely treatment.
About spread of dengue beyond the capital city, Dr Muhit said dengue outbreaks outside Dhaka are a recurring phenomenon, but this year authorities have observed significant spread in southern areas, particularly Khulna and Patuakhali.
He said field investigations by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) found dengue larvae in water accumulated inside the cut or broken bases of coconut and betel nut trees in southern Bangladesh.
The government is applying larvicide in such breeding sites, he said, but acknowledged that controlling mosquito breeding across large areas with numerous trees is a major logistical and manpower challenge.
About the rise in dengue despite relatively low rainfall throughout this month (October), Dr Muhit said rainfall is an important factor but is not the sole determinant of dengue transmission.
"Rainfall certainly increases dengue, but the main problem is the mosquito. The more mosquitoes there are, the greater the risk of dengue infection," he said.
The state minister said that an unclean environment remains a major factor behind mosquito breeding and called for greater community participation in keeping homes, offices and neighbourhoods clean.
Regarding the possible introduction of a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh, he said the government would take a decision only after obtaining expert opinions and reviewing the available evidence.
"It is a time-consuming process. It is not a matter that can be decided in a day or two. It is also extremely sensitive because if we introduce a new vaccine, there may be side effects or adverse reactions," he said.
The State Minister also said dengue vaccines have not yet been approved for widespread use in most countries, while some countries have only recently allowed their use, including in the private sector.
About a higher dengue mortality rate among women despite fewer infections among them, he said delayed hospitalisation may be contributing to this.
He said the government's assessment suggests that many dengue patients who die are those who delay seeking hospital care for more than three days.
"However, we still cannot say scientifically that women have a higher mortality rate because of any specific reason, as we do not yet have sufficient research or data," the state minister said.
"But our common understanding of healthcare-seeking behaviour suggests that when a family member needs hospital care, men often receive priority over women. In the case of dengue, we are seeing that those who are dying are mostly patients who come to hospitals late," he said.
Source: BSS