The mosquito control efforts of Dhaka's two city corporations have effectively collapsed, leading to an alarming increase in dengue cases and fatalities across the city.
Both Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have failed to control the mosquito population, sparking concerns that the dengue outbreak could worsen in October.
Mosquito control is a key service provided by the city corporations, yet citizens are voicing their frustrations over what they describe as the corporations’ failure.
Despite the growing criticism, DNCC and DSCC have offered differing explanations, placing significant responsibility on the public. They argue that Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean water, which often accumulates in containers left in residential yards, and therefore, residents must regularly maintain cleanliness to prevent mosquito breeding.The corporations maintain that they are responsible for mosquito control in public spaces such as drains and stagnant water areas.
Dengue outbreak set to worsen
The mosquito-borne dengue fever has reached unprecedented levels in Dhaka in 2023, surpassing previous records. Last year, over 100,000 people were infected with dengue, with more than 1,500 fatalities. This year, the number of dengue cases and deaths continues to rise sharply. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further in October.
Entomologists note that Aedes mosquitoes thrive in stagnant rainwater, and larvae can be found in areas unrelated to rainfall, such as parking lots, building basements, and water stored in homes. Keeping living spaces clean and preventing water accumulation in containers are critical to curbing the spread of dengue, they stress.
Professor Kabirul Bashar from Jahangirnagar University's Department of Entomology warned earlier that dengue cases would rise in September, but the city corporations have yet to take effective measures to control the mosquito population. “The focus should now be on killing adult mosquitoes,” said Bashar, cautioning that without action, the situation could worsen in October.
Rising numbers of dengue cases and deaths
According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), between January 1 and October 7, 37,808 dengue patients were hospitalized across Bangladesh. Of those, 16,298 were in Dhaka, while 21,510 were outside the capital. A total of 188 people died, with 129 deaths reported in Dhaka alone.
In July, 2,669 dengue cases were reported nationwide, with 12 fatalities. The numbers surged in August, with 6,521 cases and 27 deaths, and again in September, when 18,097 cases and 80 deaths were recorded. As of the first week of October, there have already been 6,870 cases and 25 deaths, with Dhaka contributing significantly to these figures.
Heavy rainfall exacerbates dengue crisis
The rise in dengue cases has been linked to the heavy rains in August and September, which created favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, rainfall in August was 46% higher than normal, and September also saw substantial rainfall. More rain is expected in October, potentially prolonging the dengue outbreak.
Professor Kabirul Bashar suggested that if rainfall decreases, the dengue outbreak could be brought under control within a month. However, he emphasised the need for identifying dengue hotspots and implementing targeted mosquito eradication measures.
Breakdown of mosquito eradication programme
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) oversees 54 wards, and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is responsible for 75 wards. The mosquito control program, which was previously managed by the mayors and local councilors, has faltered following the political turmoil in August, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. Both DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam and DSCC Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas fled the country shortly afterward, leaving a leadership void.
The Ministry of Local Government appointed Additional Secretary Sher Ali as the administrator of DSCC and Additional Secretary Mahmudul Hasan as the administrator of DNCC. While these officials now have the mayoral powers, mosquito control and public awareness programs have not been conducted with the same vigor. The absence of elected councilors on the ground has severely hindered mosquito eradication efforts.
Public outcry and lax monitoring
Residents from various neighborhoods, such as North Badda and Mohammadpur, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of action from the city corporations. Kamal Uddin, a resident of North Badda, recently recovered from dengue and criticized the corporations for failing to address the mosquito infestation.
In some areas of DSCC, such as Jurain and Jatrabari, dengue has reached almost every household. Residents, particularly those from low-income communities, have expressed their frustration and desperation, demanding stronger efforts from the city corporations to control the outbreak.
City Corporations’ respond
Despite the criticism, both DNCC and DSCC claim they are actively combating the mosquito problem. DNCC Public Relations Officer Maqbul Hossain stated that mosquito control activities, including awareness campaigns, leafleting, and house-to-house inspections, are ongoing. He noted that during a recent week-long special campaign, Aedes larvae were found in 351 homes and were subsequently destroyed.
DSCC has also ramped up its efforts, conducting combing operations to destroy mosquito breeding sites and increase public awareness. These operations include morning larviciding and afternoon adulticiding activities, according to DSCC Public Relations Officer Abu Naser.
As the situation worsens, experts and citizens alike are urging the city corporations to intensify their efforts to prevent a full-blown public health crisis.