This is a perilous reality, not admitted by the city corporation authorities just a month ago. In rapid contradiction of statement, the recent admission is that this year the dengue outbreak has been bigger than before. Moreover, this year has registered a record number of dengue patients since the disease was first detected in 2000.

The city corporations should explain why they resorted to play down the threat in the initial months and only admitted an epidemic when the proof was irrefutable. City hospitals have become flooded with patients and with 32 dead, a sense of panic persist among city residents. Consequently, those with normal fever or seasonal flu are also in a state of apprehension. The city corporations have to take responsibility for failing to act on time.

It is a well known fact that monsoon triggers mosquito borne ailments and since dengue has hit in the past, our city authorities should have taken preventive measures at the onset of rainfall. In addition, it was found that the spray used to kill mosquito larvae is ineffective which again raises question as to the preparedness of the two city corporations. Dengue has evolved with a deadly shock syndrome capable of severely harming internal organs like the liver, kidney and the heart. Several patients have also reported of partial paralysis of body limbs-a sign that people are being left seriously debilitated by the recent strain of dengue. At such a moment, city wide red alert needs to be issued and people asked to be very cautious about stagnant water left unnoticed. Since it’s an emergency, the city corporations need to be provided support and coordinate with other relevant ministries.

With the current state of affairs, it’s everyone’s duty to do their part. This means, roping in the ministry of health, fire service and even the police. The police in Dhaka have ‘beat policing’ which involves small teams led by sub-inspector level officers to cover limited areas. While their focus is drugs, crime and militancy, an added area should be to identify spots where larvae can develop into mosquitoes. This is an emergency and everyone has to get involved.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the health minister and two mayors of Dhaka to take steps for use of effective mosquito repellent to control dengue fever, we expect her call to be taken with due diligence.  As for the city corporations, the lesson learnt should never be forgotten.