Newsnext Desk The dengue issue has acquired some urgency after heavy downpours and flooding in recent weeks. The flood has affected some 73 upazilas across 11 districts, including crowded municipal areas. Floodwaters have begun to recede now, leaving behind garbage scattered everywhere, which will require a clean-up. This along with waterlogging caused by continued rains in many parts of the country are reasons enough to worry about potential outbreaks of diseases, including mosquito-borne ones like dengue. This must not be taken lightly, especially after last year which went on to witness the deadliest dengue outbreak in the country's history. A total of 1,705 dengue-related deaths and 321,179 cases were reported in 2023. This was largely due to the inadequate and often unscientific measures taken by the authorities. We don't yet have a vector control policy; the insecticides sprayed are also of questionable quality. In addition, inclusive data, which can help in making targeted interventions, continues to elude us.
