IEDCR Aedes survey: Jhenaidah, Magura record high density, Dhaka sees 16% YoY rise
Findings say in Jhenaidah municipality, Aedes larvae were found in 54 of 270 inspected households, with a Breteau Index (BI) of 60—far above the World Health Organisation’s high-risk threshold of 20. In Magura, the BI was also significantly high at 55
Aedes mosquitoes—the carrier of dengue fever— are rising at an alarming rate beyond the capital, as highlighted by a recent survey by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), which found dangerously high levels of Aedes larvae in Jhenaidah and Magura.
The "Entomological Survey of Dengue Vector 2024–2025" was carried out in Dhaka in February and in eight other districts between March and May. The findings were unveiled on Wednesday (18 June) at the IEDCR auditorium.
Findings say in Jhenaidah municipality, Aedes larvae were found in 54 of 270 inspected households, with a Breteau Index (BI) of 60—far above the World Health Organisation's high-risk threshold of 20. In Magura, the BI was also significantly high at 55.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The risky areas were identified based on the BI score. When the BI exceeds 20, the area is classified as "highly risky".
Presenting the findings, IEDCR Director Dr Tahmina Shirin said Jhenaidah and Magura are among the most affected districts outside Dhaka. In Pirojpur and Magura, 100% of the vector mosquitoes identified were Aedes albopictus, known for breeding in outdoor containers.
The IEDCR team has also launched an outbreak investigation in Barguna, where dengue cases are surging. "Due to water scarcity, residents store water in large clay pots, which are turning into breeding sites for mosquitoes," said Dr Shirin.
Dr Shirin also noted a sharp rise in mosquito density in Dhaka as well. The presence of Aedes larvae was confirmed in 58% of multi-storey buildings in the capital, marking a 16% year-on-year surge, compared to the 42% reported last year.
In Dhaka, 72 wards under the two city corporations were surveyed. Of them, 41 wards under Dhaka South and 31 under Dhaka North showed mosquito densities exceeding the danger threshold, with 13 wards marked as "extremely highly-risky".
While multi-storey buildings in the capital remain major breeding grounds, households in rural areas show higher mosquito densities. The most common breeding spots identified outside Dhaka include plastic drums, buckets, and empty curd pots.
In response to rising Dengue cases, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has instructed that treatment be made available at the upazila level. "Additional saline supplies have been sent to upazilas and districts to support fluid management. In Barguna, additional doctors have been deployed, and a plan is underway to dispatch medical personnel from nearby medical colleges," said Dr Moinul Ahsan, director of hospitals and clinics at DGHS.
