Hidden breeding spots fuel dengue threat

Narrow gaps between high-rise buildings, where sunlight barely reaches, are emerging as hidden breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes in Dhaka. Rainwater collects there with discarded containers, plastic boxes and construction debris, creating ideal spots for mosquito larvae to thrive.

Mosquito-control workers of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) recently found Aedes larvae in stagnant water at such a site in New Colony, Lalmatia. Larvae were also found around a small room beside a building.

Workers said the highest concentration was found in gaps between buildings and around makeshift rooms used by security guards and caretakers.

Experts warn that such overlooked breeding sites could worsen the dengue situation if they remain unchecked.

DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton said at an event on Tuesday that although dengue cases were comparatively low, Aedes larvae were found in 60 to 70% of some areas.

A recent survey by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) also identified multi-storey buildings as major breeding grounds. Larvae were found in 35.23% of multi-storey buildings, 27.76% of detached houses, 17.44% of buildings under construction and 14.59% of semi-paka houses.

Among breeding sites, 12.26% were stagnant water on floors, 10.34% buckets and 8.89% plastic drums. Flower pots, unused water tanks, air-conditioner trays and basements of buildings under construction were also identified as high-risk spots.

Experts said Aedes mosquitoes can breed in even a small amount of stagnant water. Simply throwing out the water may not be enough, as eggs can remain attached to container surfaces. Containers should therefore be scrubbed thoroughly after emptying.

Meanwhile, two more people died of dengue in the 24 hours to Friday, taking this year's death toll to 211, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the total, 114 deaths occurred in the first 25 days of September.

The DGHS reported 955 new hospital admissions in the same period, taking the year's total cases to 70,104. So far, 64,827 patients have recovered.

Doctors advise people to seek testing promptly after developing fever rather than self-medicating. They also stress that dengue control requires regular mosquito-control measures, clean surroundings and greater public awareness.