Public awareness in Aedes control

News Desk :: DENGUE attack and death rate in Bangladesh in 22 years, from 2000 to 2022, was quite less than those of 2023. The history created by the dengue outbreak in 2023 by breaking all records is terrifying. Now, this virus and its carrier have spread from the capital to remote villages. The density of Aedes larvae observed in 2023 suggests that dengue in 2024 could be more severe than in 2023.

In 2023, up to February 9, there were 628 people having been affected by dengue. In 2024, up to February 9, the number of people infected with dengue was 1202, which is close to double that of 2023. Similarly, in 2023, 8 people died of dengue till February 9 and in 2024, 16 people died, which is almost double. The weather up to this time in 2023 was, however, favourable for the propagation of dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes compared with 2024.

In view of such events, 2024 is, indeed, looming for an unknown dire situation over dengue. So, what should we do now? Urgent updated measures are needed to improve the control method of dengue vector Aedes mosquito used in the past. Public awareness and public involvement are the most important measures to improve the condition of the region because in order to control Aedes mosquito, breeding grounds must be destroyed scientifically.

The destruction of breeding grounds means that stagnant water that has the potential to breed Aedes must be eliminated. Care must be taken to ensure that all containers that hold water do not become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Similarly, all reservoirs that cannot be destroyed must be properly treated. Larval destruction must be ensured by applying the necessary larvicide. The larvicide application method must be scientific and systemic.

Every step from the selection of larval side to the application must be under the full supervision of experts. Insecticides will work properly only when the appropriate lethal dose is applied to the target body of mosquitoes. We have to pay close attention to preserve the suitability of LD50 standard or LC50 standards. For this, the involvement of people living in residential areas is required; the help of technical experts is also needed.

The viability of eggs of mosquitoes that meet and lay eggs in close proximity to human habitation is many times higher than the viability of eggs from mating outside human habitation. It should not be difficult to understand how important human blood protein is for the egg viability of Aedes mosquitoes. This harmful mosquito cannot, therefore, be allowed to breed in its own habitat. If any system is created to suck the blood and absorb the blood by this mosquito, no government or any unit of the local government can come and take action.

People have to act. This means that awareness must first be created within oneself. It is necessary to think that this as a responsibility to rid houses of mosquitoes. Local representatives can take strict action against mosquito-breeding places around houses. But the management of the house must ensure be ensured. There is, therefore, no alternative to public awareness and public involvement in removing the most known habitat of the mosquito, ie unprotected standing water. This is the story of the destruction of larvae.

When local individuals and entities responsible apply adulticide, the mosquito changes its exophilic characteristic and acquires endophillic properties. The mosquitoes that used to rest and lay eggs outside enter the houses and lay eggs because of the application of insecticides outside. At such a time, no person responsible of the local government agencies can enter inside someone’s residence and apply adulticide. In that case, preventive measures must be taken to get rid of mosquitoes. All the windows and doors of the house need to be sealed off in such a way that no mosquito can enter inside because of the application of adulticides outside houses.

If anyhow mosquito enters houses, measures must be taken to kill them immediately. Mosquitoes need to be kept under control so that they do not lay its eggs in stagnant water. All opportunities for mosquito propagation must be prevented. So, there is no alternative to public awareness and engagement. After washing the car in the garage, the waste water must not be managed by the people of the city authorities. It is entirely up to people. As long as people cannot to discharge such responsibilities properly, the density of domesticated mosquitoes will not decrease. And, the threat of dengue will not decrease.

Awareness campaigns on the media should be continued as this strengthens the promotion and effectiveness of such campaigns. For example, the people who are busy with construction work must involve all others involved in the construction work in the management of collected water. The management of the abandoned compartments at railway station which also collect water needs to be taken care of by the authorities in time. Similarly, the institutions which have abandoned cars must take action as soon as possible, out of public interests, to avoid stagnant water. Airports, government and private institutions, schools, colleges, universities, mosques, temples, churches, swimming pools, hotels, motels, amusement parks, especially the national zoos, botanical gardens, public housing, vehicle pools, lakes, drains, etc should also be taken care of.

There is an urgent need to make people aware and get them involved. The collection of water behind all restaurants creates an unsanitary environment for mosquito breeding. There is no option but to involve all concerned in the management of the unprotected water left after washing buses at bus stops as dengue virus has spread to remote villages through such transports. Similarly, attention needs to be paid to the number of garbage dumping stations. Wet containers, tyres and coconuts left in such stations collect water and create permanent breeding groumds of mosquitoes.

The people who are engaged in the cleaning of the wastes can be trained properly to destroy large breeding grounds. Many developmental works continue. In such places, soil digging and water storage areas are created in various ways. It is necessary to involve the people engaged in that work in the management procedure through training. In the capital city, cattle and goats are slaughtered at market places and slum areas where a special ocus should be given.

In the same way, water collection in water pump and vehicles used for transporting water should be also be taken care of. All this needs to be brought under management as required. It is not impossible to head off attacks of Aedes mosquito and dengue if all individuals and entities responsible are not involved in mosquito control tasks.