Part Three: No specific antiviral treatment for dengue has been discovered yet, and the few dengue vaccines developed worldwide have efficacy dependent on specific geographical and physiological conditions. Therefore, an integrated prevention strategy remains the primary defense against dengue. Since dengue is no longer merely a seasonal illness and persists year-round, preventive measures must also be sustained continuously. Dengue prevention rests on two core pillars: 1. Destroying Aedes mosquito breeding sites and controlling mosquito populations. 2. Protecting oneself and family members from mosquito bites.

1. Identifying and Destroying Breeding Grounds

The Aedes mosquito is a domestic species that primarily lays eggs in stagnant clean water. A single female Aedes can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and these eggs can survive in dry conditions for months without water. Once exposed to moisture, they hatch into larvae and mature into mosquitoes.

• Household and Premises Hygiene: Balconies, rooftops, flowerpots, flower vases, AC and refrigerator drip trays, unused containers, plastic cans, earthenware pots, and coconut shells must be cleaned regularly. Water must not be allowed to stagnate anywhere for more than 3 to 5 days.

• Construction Sites and High-Rises: Stagnant water used for curing at construction sites, elevator pits, basements, and parking areas serve as major breeding grounds. Regular application of bleaching powder, kerosene, or ensuring complete water drainage in these locations is essential.

• Institutions and Open Spaces: The surroundings of schools, colleges, universities, government and private offices, nurseries, restaurants, and shops must be kept clean. Water collected in rooftop garden pots and bamboo poles should be cleared.

• Waste Management: Discarded coconut shells, tires, chip packets, and polythene bags on streets or open spaces must be removed regularly. Government and private initiatives must focus on adulticiding (spraying to kill adult mosquitoes) and larviciding (applying agents to kill larvae).

2. Personal and Family Measures Against Mosquito Bites

Every citizen must increase personal awareness to protect themselves from mosquito bites: • Continuous Use of Mosquito Nets: Whether sleeping during the day or at night, a mosquito net must always be used. Ensure young children and the elderly sleep under nets at all times.

• Appropriate Clothing: When stepping outside or going to school, children should wear full-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and closed shoes with socks to minimize exposed skin.

• Household Protection: Insect netting should be installed on doors and windows. Mosquito repellents, coils, vapes, or barrier creams may also be used indoors.

Integrated Administrative and Community Initiatives

Dengue is a social and environmental problem. Eradicating dengue in a country of millions cannot be accomplished solely by the administration or vector control workers spraying insecticides. It requires a strong partnership between individual awareness and governmental infrastructure.

Local authorities must strengthen entomological surveys in every ward to monitor mosquito density, regularly identify breeding sites, and enforce Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM). Simultaneously, regular public awareness campaigns via media and community drives are essential.

Likewise, every citizen must adhere to the principle: "My home, my responsibility"—keeping their living and working spaces clean. The fight against dengue is not the battle of a single individual or organization; it is a national effort. The combination of administrative capability and sincere public awareness can provide Bangladesh with a sustainably dengue-free, safe environment.

Author: Professor Dr. A. B. M. Abdullah, Ekushey Padak-winning renowned medicine specialist and former Dean, Faculty of Medicine, BSMMU.