The Outbreak's Description
Dhaka is the division that is most severely impacted, with 70.6% of cases and 60.4% of fatalities. The majority of cases—64.5%—have been reported from Dhaka city, the largest metropolis in Bangladesh and the division's administrative center. The divisions in Khulna (5.5% of cases and 4.8% of fatalities) and Chattogram (13.2% of cases and 24.8% of deaths) are also affected.
This year's high number of dengue illnesses are being attributed to unusually heavy rains that have fallen since June 2022, along with hot temperatures and high humidity levels that have led to an upsurge in mosquito populations across Bangladesh.
Risk Evaluation
This year's October rains in Bangladesh were modest, which was unusual (monsoon is from May to September). The density of the Aedes mosquito population is growing as a result of the untimely rains and the suitable climate. Additionally, a lot of people keep water in their homes in various containers like buckets and pots, which allows Aedes mosquitos to easily grow in such man-made collections of water.
The dengue virus has the capacity to start epidemics with significant morbidity and fatality rates. There is no particular therapy. However, reducing illness severity and death among dengue patients is possible with early diagnosis of dengue virus infection and effective therapeutic management. The frequency of severe dengue cases and case-fatality rates currently appear to be rising, most likely as a result of access and delayed health-seeking behaviors.
The travel bans have been relaxed as the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided. People have started traveling to and from Dhaka as a result of this. While the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), City Corporations, and the Ministry of Health have been working together to contain the dengue outbreak in Dhaka over the past few months, the ongoing movements have resulted in an influx of potentially infected people who could contribute to dengue transmission cycles. Less intensive vector control efforts have been made in Bangladesh's other districts.
Bangladesh, which frequently sees seasonal dengue outbreaks, has a serious public health risk about dengue. Additionally, the clinical management of patients who develop severe illnesses, which frequently necessitate inpatient care, adds to the load already placed on the healthcare system.
Recommendation from WHO
The danger of contracting the dengue virus is significantly increased by the presence of mosquito breeding grounds close to places where people live. Despite the fact that dengue does not directly pass from person to person, Aedes species mosquitoes can contract the disease after biting dengue-infected people, starting a cycle of transmission that can spread the disease and result in concentrations of cases.
Effective vector control is essential for the prevention and management of dengue. WHO advocates Integrated Vector Management (IVM), a tactical strategy for reducing mosquito vectors, particularly the Aedes mosquito species (the primary vector for dengue). To eliminate potential breeding places, cut down on vector numbers, and limit individual exposure, IVM should be improved. This should include measures for protecting people and homes as well as vector control tactics for larvae and adults (e.g., environmental management and source reduction, biological control, and chemical control measures). Bangladesh needs to put the IVM plan created in 2021 into practice.
Activities to control vectors should concentrate in any locations where there is a chance of human-vector contact (place of residence, workplaces, schools and hospitals). Weekly covering, draining, and cleaning of household water storage containers are some vector control measures that can be used. As a last resort, insecticide can be sprayed into the air. For water storage in outdoor containers, chlorination and the use of proper larvicides/insecticides should also be taken into consideration.
Use of long sleeve shirts and pants, as well as the topical application of repellents to exposed skin or clothes, are personal protective measures that can be taken while participating in outdoor activities. Use of home pesticide spray solutions or mosquito coils are two options for indoor protection. Air conditioning and window and door screens can help to lessen the likelihood that mosquitoes will enter the home. People who sleep during the daytime have good protection from mosquito bites thanks to insecticide-treated nets. Personal protective measures are advised, especially during these hours of the day, as Aedes mosquitoes are most active between dawn and night.
https://www.yicare-medical.com/rapid-test/infectious-disease-tests/dengue-ns1-rapid-test.html