63 Dhaka South wards at risk of dengue, high risk in 27: administrator

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) pre-monsoon Aedes mosquito larva survey has revealed that 63 of its wards are at risk of dengue.

Based on the density of mosquitoes, 27 of these wards have been identified as at the high risk for dengue infections, said DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam.

Salam presented detailed results of the “Pre-Monsoon Aedes Mosquito Larva Survey 2026” at the Nagar Bhaban on Thursday alongside a future work plan.

The DSCC administrator said a total of 2,250 houses, 30 each from each of the 75 wards were selected as samples in the 12-day mosquito survey conducted from May 12-23.

Thirty-six field workers from the Communicable Disease Control Branch of DSCC and the Directorate General of Health Services participated in the survey.

The KorboToolbox software was used to ensure the accuracy of data collection.

He said, "After the survey, the results were analysed based on the Breteau Index, House Index, Container Index and Pupa Index, which will help identify future dengue risk areas or hotspots.

"The survey results showed that the density of mosquitoes in 63 wards of DSCC is higher than the prescribed index, which is risky for dengue infections. Out of these, 27 wards have been identified as the highest risk based on the density of Aedes mosquito larvae.

Out of the 2,238 houses inspected, Aedes mosquito larvae and pupae (the next stage of the larvae) were found in 281.

Of the affected establishments, 35.23 percent were found in multi-storey buildings, 27.76 percent in detached houses, 17.44 percent in under-construction buildings and 14.59 percent in semi-detached houses.

Salam said the survey identified various types of water-holding containers as the main breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Aedes larvae were found in significant numbers in plastic drums, stagnant water on the floor and water in buckets.

The DSCC administrator said government initiatives alone are not enough to prevent dengue and the active participation of citizens is also needed. Habit of keeping homes, workplaces and surrounding areas clean and the regular removal of stagnant water should be developed.

"Many people keep water in buckets for a few days in bathrooms or other places. Aedes mosquito larvae can be born there within two to three days. So, everyone needs to be aware of this,” he said.

Salam said, contrary to common belief, Aedes mosquitoes do not breed in dirty or rotten water, but in clean and still water. Therefore, the role of the media in raising public awareness about dengue control is very important.

He said based on the survey results, an awareness rally will be organised on Jun 6 to prevent dengue and chikungunya.

The programme will start from Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi and will be conducted in other areas in phases.

In addition, a five-day special “crash programme” will be conducted in 27 wards at risk of dengue from Jun 7, he said, in collaboration with the Health Department and the Waste Management Department.

“Awareness activities and source destruction will be conducted in the most vulnerable wards, house-to-house. We need the cooperation of city residents to make this programme successful, and we seek the help of the media to convey that message," said the DSCC administrator.