Extreme nuisance of mosquitoes in Dumki Upazila: life is miserable, health risks are increasing.

Even before the end of winter, the mosquito infestation has taken a terrible shape throughout Dumki Upazila of Patuakhali district. As soon as the evening falls, the mosquito attack starts, which continues till late at night. From the city to the village, the life of the people is now extremely disrupted due to the reign of mosquitoes everywhere. The situation is getting out of control day by day, especially in the areas of Dumki city. Local residents complain that the prevalence of mosquitoes has increased so much in the last few weeks that it has become a liability at home. Children and the elderly suffer the most after evening. The studies of school-college and madrasah students are seriously disrupted due to mosquito bites. Many parents have expressed concern that students are losing their attention while sitting on the reading table due to mosquitoes. Hospitals are also not free from mosquito infestation. While some private clinics have self-initiated mosquito control measures, the picture is different for government hospitals. There, patients complain that their physical discomfort is increasing instead of getting better while undergoing treatment due to mosquitoes. The victims are blaming the lack of effective mosquito control campaign at the government level. The demand for coils, aerosol sprays and electric bats has increased several times in the market to avoid mosquitoes. However, in the ever-increasing market of consumer goods, it has become impossible for low-income people to buy high-quality mosquito repellent products. Common buyers complain that the low-quality coils available in the market do not produce the desired results. On the contrary, the smoke from these coils is causing various physical problems including respiratory problems. According to health experts, unplanned water drainage system, not cleaning the drains regularly and dirty water accumulated in various places have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They warned that dengue, malaria and chikungunya could become epidemic if no effective action is taken now as the monsoon season approaches.

In Dumki Upazila, the conscious community demands that mosquito control activities should be strengthened in a coordinated manner. Regular fogging (spraying mosquito repellent),Urgent intervention of local administration is needed to reform drainage system and increase awareness among common people. It is feared that Dumki Upazila residents will have to face a dire health crisis if no effective initiative is taken soon.