Dengue fever in Bangladesh, like in many other tropical and subtropical regions of the world, is primarily caused by the dengue virus. The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Here’s how the transmission cycle works:
- Mosquito Transmission: A person infected with the dengue virus serves as a source of the virus. When an Aedes mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes infected with the virus.
- Viral Replication: The virus replicates within the mosquito.
- Mosquito Bites: Infected mosquitoes then transmit the virus to healthy individuals when they bite to feed on their blood.
- Human Infection: The virus enters the human bloodstream through the mosquito’s saliva, leading to dengue infection.
Several factors contribute to the spread of dengue in Bangladesh:
- Climate: Bangladesh’s tropical and subtropical climate provides a suitable environment for the Aedes mosquito population to thrive, increasing the risk of dengue transmission.
- Urbanization: Rapid urbanization and population growth in cities like Dhaka have created favorable breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes in stagnant water and improper waste disposal.
- Monsoon Season: The monsoon season, with heavy rainfall and flooding, can lead to the accumulation of water in various containers, which serves as breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.
- Travel and Trade: Increased travel and trade in and out of the country can introduce new strains of the dengue virus and contribute to its spread.
- Lack of Public Awareness: Limited public awareness about preventive measures and the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites can also contribute to dengue outbreaks.
Efforts to control dengue in Bangladesh involve mosquito control measures such as insecticide spraying, the removal of breeding sites, public health campaigns to educate people about dengue prevention, and early diagnosis and treatment of dengue cases to reduce severe outcomes. Vaccination campaigns may also be considered in areas with a high incidence of dengue.
It’s important for individuals living in or traveling to areas where dengue is prevalent, including Bangladesh, to take precautions to reduce mosquito exposure and breeding sites to minimize the risk of dengue infection.