RAJSHAHI, Sept 08 (V7N) — The risk of dengue has increased in Rajshahi during the monsoon as the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes has surged in several areas of the city, while the number of dengue patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital has also risen.

An entomological survey conducted by the Rajshahi Divisional Office of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) from August 3 to 10 found Aedes mosquito larvae in 24 of 75 households surveyed, resulting in a House Index of 32 per cent.

Larvae were also found in 46 of 68 water-holding containers examined during the survey, putting the Container Index at 67.65 per cent.

The survey covered Kazihata, Chandipur, Uparbhadra, Namobhadra and Hazrapukur areas of Rajshahi city.

The Breteau Index, an indicator used to measure the density of Aedes mosquito breeding sites, stood at 61.33 in the surveyed areas. According to World Health Organisation guidelines, a Breteau Index above 20 indicates a high risk of dengue transmission.

The latest figure is therefore more than three times the high-risk threshold. It has also nearly doubled from 30.66 recorded in a similar survey conducted in May.

During the latest survey, health officials collected 685 mosquito larvae from different breeding sites. Of these, 505 were identified as Aedes albopictus, 86 as Aedes aegypti and 94 as other mosquito species.

The breeding sites included flower vases, plastic and ceramic tubs, earthen and tin containers, coconut shells, cement tubs, drums, waterlogged floors, paint buckets and plastic buckets.

District Entomologist Umme Habiba said health officials had been monitoring the increase in mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes in the city for years.

She said larvae had been found in various common household items capable of holding water, highlighting the need to eliminate potential breeding sites around homes.

The May survey had found Aedes larvae in 15 of 75 households, giving a House Index of 20 per cent. Larvae were also found in 23 of 52 water-holding containers, resulting in a Container Index of 44.23 per cent. The Breteau Index at that time was 30.66.

The latest survey therefore shows a substantial increase in Aedes breeding density, with both the House Index and Container Index also rising.

Dengue patients increasing

The rise in Aedes mosquito breeding has coincided with an increase in dengue patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

According to hospital sources, only one dengue patient was undergoing treatment on June 13. The number rose to nine by July 30.

The number increased further in August, reaching 13 patients on August 6, 23 on August 8, 26 on August 9 and 30 on August 10.

One dengue patient died at the hospital on August 11.

Eight new dengue patients were admitted on August 14, while six patients were discharged. On August 15, nine new patients were admitted. On August 16, seven patients were undergoing treatment, while another 13 had recovered, according to the hospital data provided.

The dengue ward in-charge, Dr Tanzilul Bari, said the number of dengue patients usually increases during this time of year.

“There has been a slight increase in the number of dengue patients at the hospital this year. However, the situation is not abnormal so far,” he said.

Local transmission concern

A DGHS survey conducted in 2025 found Aedes mosquito larvae in 57.33 per cent of households in five wards of Rajshahi city.

The same survey found that 97 per cent of dengue patients receiving treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital had contracted the virus locally, suggesting that dengue transmission was occurring within the local community.

Health officials say the growing density of Aedes mosquitoes, combined with the rise in dengue patients, requires stronger preventive measures, particularly the removal of stagnant water and other potential breeding sites.

Rajshahi City Corporation Chief Cleanliness Officer Sheikh Md Mamun Dollar said dengue could not be completely eradicated, but preventive measures were continuing.

“Cleanliness drives are being conducted in every ward, and people are also being made aware,” he said.

The latest entomological findings and hospital data indicate that Rajshahi is facing increased dengue risk. Health authorities and the city corporation are continuing preventive activities, while greater community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites remains important to contain further transmission.

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