Dengue fever

The news about the dengue fever outbreak in Asian countries is concerning. People should take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the disease, which has already claimed 418 precious lives in Bangladesh (“Dengue fever claims 418 lives in Bangladesh amid warnings of continued outbreak,” Nov.1, Gulf Today website).

According to the news, the surge comes as Bangladesh is also battling the world's worst measles outbreak, which has killed more than 1,200 people, placing additional strain on an already stretched healthcare system.

The news about more than 400 deaths caused by dengue fever has gone viral across the world through print and social media.

As Bangladesh is struggling to cope with dengue fever, a deadly disease that spreads rapidly, it is important for other Asian countries to adopt precautionary measures to prevent its further spread.

I hope the Bangladeshi government takes these dengue-related deaths seriously and provides the necessary medical facilities to citizens battling the disease.

At the same time, the people of Bangladesh also have a responsibility to cooperate with the government's medical teams. Effective dengue prevention at home requires protecting indoor and outdoor living spaces against Aedes mosquitoes and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds on their properties.

Ashraf Arain,
By email