Mosquito menace worsens in Dhaka during Eid holidays

Highlights:

• Control operations slow down during Ramadan, Eid
• Fogging, larviciding disrupted by staff shortage, holidays
• Dhaka South faces greater mosquito crisis than North
• Aedes, Culex populations rising ahead of monsoon
• 1,890 dengue cases, 13 deaths reported this year so far
  

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While much of the country celebrated Eid, residents of Dhaka faced a growing public health concern as mosquito infestations surged across the city.

Many blamed the Dhaka North and South city corporations for failing to maintain control activities during the holidays.

Although both corporations conducted some fogging and larvicide operations before Eid, officials acknowledged that over 50% of these efforts were suspended during the holidays due to staff shortages.

The situation has worsened with seasonal changes, allowing both Culex and Aedes mosquito populations to rise sharply.

Habibur Rahman, a resident of Hatirjheel under Dhaka North, told The Business Standard, "I celebrated Eid in Dhaka with my family. Mosquitoes have increased several times over the past few days. We have not seen any spraying in our area throughout the week. Even after keeping my six-month-old baby under a net, there has been no relief."

He added, "Mosquitoes are everywhere—even on the streets. I have had to buy repellent spray and lotion. As we live near the lake, swarms of mosquitoes enter the house after sunset."

A mosquito control worker in the area, on condition of anonymity, admitted that operations slowed during Ramadan and Eid. 

"Most of us were on leave for Eid. Those who remained did some fogging and larviciding, but work was limited," the city employee said.

Rafiq Master, mosquito supervisor for Ward 36 in Dhaka North, said, "It was not possible to continue full operations during Ramadan, and many people objected to fogging during Iftar. Now, many workers are yet to return, but activities should resume fully by Saturday."

Residents of multiple areas—including Kalyanpur, Uttarkhan, Mirpur, Agargaon, Tejgaon, and Mohakhali—reported similar experiences.

In Dhaka South, the situation was described as even more severe, with many areas seeing a complete halt in mosquito control efforts during Eid.

Kazi Dewan, from Bongsahal in Old Dhaka, said, "Empty Dhaka feels like a mosquito kingdom. Even with nets, we are getting bitten. Drains are clogged with waste, but the City Corporation has not taken much action."

Officials admitted partial suspension of work. Dr Nishat Parveen, chief health officer (additional charge) of Dhaka South, said mosquito eradication workers took three days off, but around 50% of operations continued during the remaining holidays.

Md Asif Iqbal, senior insect control officer of Dhaka North, said, "Our regular work is ongoing. Culex mosquitoes are breeding in lakes and ponds. Even after spraying insecticides, effectiveness is limited due to rapid waste build-up. However, we have restarted operations and are testing BTI in some areas."

Md Ahsan Habib, mosquito supervisor for Ward 19, which includes Gulshan-Banani, confirmed a temporary suspension of operations during BTI testing but said activities have resumed.

Entomologist GM Saifur Rahman from the National University warned that the density of Culex mosquitoes is doubling weekly.

"Fogging is not effective as the same outdated insecticides are being used. Without effective control, mosquito density wouldn't be rising like this."

He added, "Aedes mosquitoes will increase with the rainy season. Dengue has already spread beyond Dhaka, and without urgent nationwide action, the outbreak could worsen."

Notably, 13 new dengue patients were hospitalised on Thursday alone, according to government data. In the first three days of April, 19 patients have been admitted, bringing this year's total to 1,890, with 13 confirmed deaths.