Public health experts and physicians have underscored the critical need for mass awareness to prevent the spread of dengue in Bangladesh. With no universally recommended vaccine or specific effective medicine available, they emphasize that awareness is the primary tool to combat this mosquito-borne disease. The experts advise preventing the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, avoiding mosquito bites, and consulting a doctor if dengue symptoms develop. They highlight that Bangladesh currently has favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, making active participation from all citizens essential to keep surroundings clean and prevent dengue.
Essential Preventive Measures
The experts recommend several preventive measures to control Aedes mosquitoes. These include keeping house yards clean, disposing of unnecessary containers, and ensuring that water does not accumulate in usable containers such as flower pots, drums, buckets, air conditioners, and water containers under refrigerators for more than five days in a row. They stress that stagnant water is the breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, and thus, all should be vigilant in maintaining cleanliness around their homes.
Community Involvement and Treatment
Dr. Mushtaq Hossain, a public health expert, emphasizes that the fight against dengue should start from people's homes, schools, workplaces, and local communities. Coordinated initiatives to identify patients quickly, protect vulnerable people, ensure social support for poor patients, and destroy mosquito breeding grounds can significantly minimize dengue-related deaths and suffering. Dr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, an associate professor at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, notes that managing body temperature and ensuring adequate hydration are crucial in treating dengue fever. He advises using tepid sponging to cool the body and administering paracetamol every six to eight hours, along with providing liquid foods such as fruit juice, soup, oral saline, and coconut water to patients.
Official data as of July 28 this year show 47 people have died of dengue, with 14,156 people admitted to hospitals and 17,009 patients having recovered. In 2025, a total of 1,02,861 people were infected with dengue, resulting in 413 deaths.
