Monsoon raises public health concerns

Dear Sir,

During every monsoon, heavy rainfall combined with poor drainage causes widespread waterlogging across the country, disrupting daily life and posing significant public health risks. Contaminated water from drains and sewage often mixes with drinking water, increasing the risk of diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, skin diseases and fungal infections.

Heavy rainfall also promotes the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue. Clean stagnant water in containers, old tires, flower pots, rooftops and coconut shells provides ideal breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Climate change has further intensified dengue outbreaks during the monsoon, and severe cases can be fatal without timely treatment.

Preventing these diseases requires both government action and public awareness. Drinking water should be boiled or purified before use, and people should avoid contact with stagnant water. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito nets and repellents, and seeking prompt medical care for fever or other symptoms are essential.

Antor Kumar Dutta
Student, IER
Jagannath University, Dhaka