Barishal City Corporation (BCC) in southern Bangladesh has launched an intensified citywide mosquito eradication and clean-up campaign to curb the spread of dengue, deploying spraying teams, fogging machines and sanitation drives across all wards amid a rise in seasonal risk, officials and doctors said on Wednesday.
The 58-square-kilometre city, divided into 30 wards, has designated May as Cleanliness Month and June as Mosquito Eradication Month, with a plan to spray insecticide in one ward each day for 30 days as part of its prevention strategy.
According to the city corporation, 42 workers equipped with 45 fogger machines and 35 hand-held spray units are carrying out operations across different neighbourhoods.
BCC administrative officer Swapan Kumar Das said June had been declared Mosquito Eradication Month and five teams formed to conduct the drive.
“We have 35 hand sprayers and 45 fogger machines. An emergency response team has also been formed. We are also conducting awareness activities, including rallies and distribution of 20,000 leaflets.”
He added that no dengue patient from the city corporation area is currently admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, suggesting an improved situation.
Residents welcomed the campaign, saying mosquito nuisance has fallen compared with previous years, though they urged continued efforts during the monsoon season.
Anichur Rahman says: “the initiative is commendable and has helped reduce mosquito prevalence compared to last year, when many people reportedly died due to dengue outbreaks. However, he emphasised that citizens must also remain conscious rather than relying solely on the city corporation.”
Jamal Khalifa noted: “mosquito nuisance has reduced slightly but urged the authorities to continue the campaign, especially ahead of the monsoon season. He also called on citizens to maintain cleanliness.”
Ataur Rahman said: “mosquito spraying must continue, warning that otherwise the situation could worsen. He added that while he keeps his own surroundings clean, not everyone does so, and urged collective responsibility to prevent dengue.”
He said the situation is currently under control compared with previous years. “We are conducting awareness campaigns and mosquito control activities. These efforts are helping reduce both mosquito prevalence and infection rates”
This year, a total of 337 dengue cases have been reported in Barishal district. Of them, 324 patients have recovered and returned home.
No deaths have been recorded so far this year, while 13 patients are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals. All infected patients are residents of different upazilas in the district.
BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin said mosquitoes are the primary carrier of dengue.
“That is why we have declared June as Mosquito Eradication Month. We have divided all 30 wards into separate groups. Spraying will be carried out in six to seven wards daily,”
She added that the city corporation has brought in a higher-quality insecticide following complaints about previous sprays being ineffective. Our activities to prevent dengue and chikungunya will continue.
We are also cleaning drains and canals, reopening blocked drainage systems, and ensuring that water does not accumulate in the city.
However, public cooperation is essential. Citizens also have responsibilities alongside the city corporation.
According to data from the Barishal Divisional Health Directorate, 1,398 dengue cases have been recorded across six districts of the division this year.
Of these, 1,319 patients have recovered. Currently, 79 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the division. No deaths from dengue have been reported in the division so far this year.
