Gazipur: Gazipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan today emphasized the critical role of citizen awareness in dengue prevention, posing the question, “Mosquitoes are doing their job, but are you fulfilling your responsibilities as a human being?”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DC made these remarks as the chief guest at a post-rally gathering. The event was part of an extensive dengue prevention and awareness program, organized collaboratively by the Gazipur District Administration, Gazipur City Corporation, Civil Surgeon’s Office, and Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College and Hospital.
During his address, Nurul Karim Bhuiyan urged everyone to dedicate this Saturday to cleaning and maintaining hygiene proactively. He stressed the personal responsibility of keeping yards, surroundings, homes, and roads clean. He warned that neglecting this civic duty could lead to devastating consequences from dengue mosquitoes. He further advised the community to ensure no water accumulates, which could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
A colorful awareness rally commenced in the morning from the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Gazipur. It traversed the city’s main roads, concluding with a brief gathering at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College and Hospital.
Medical experts, addressing the gathering, noted that dengue is a life-threatening viral disease, transmitted through the bite of the female “Aedes aegypti” mosquito, which prefers clean, stagnant water for breeding. Once bitten, the dengue virus rapidly reduces blood platelets, potentially leading to severe complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever or toxic shock syndrome. Without prompt treatment, this can result in a rapid drop in blood pressure and potentially death.
Experts highlighted a three-tier preventive approach, emphasizing the destruction of breeding sources as the most effective method. They advised against allowing water to remain for more than three days in places such as flower pots, broken containers, and rooftop gardens. They also recommended wearing body-covering clothes during peak mosquito activity times, using mosquito nets, and applying repellents.
Immediate medical attention was advised upon symptom onset, with a prompt dengue test (NS1 Antigen). Experts cautioned against taking painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen without medical advice due to the risk of increased bleeding.
The program was attended by Gazipur Civil Surgeon Dr. Mamunur Rahman, Director of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College and Hospital Dr. Md Aminul Islam, and Chief Waste Management Officer of Gazipur City Corporation Sohel Rana, among others. Additional police and administrative officials, along with representatives from various organizations and citizens, also participated actively in the awareness initiative.