Mosquito Menace in Sylhet City: Drive resumes as Aedes larvae found in 5 spots

An entomological survey team supporting Sylhet City Corporation's (SCC) anti-mosquito drive found Aedes larvae at five locations of two wards in the city, as the drive resumed after being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

After surveying seven wards, the team found traces in wards 25 and 26 -- mostly in stagnant water, inside tyres and sanitary materials kept in stores, said Dr Md Jahidul Islam, chief health officer of SCC.

SCC started the drive on February 23. As the mosquito menace was escalating, the corporation resumed the drive from Saturday and initiated entomological surveying.

"The survey was carried out with help from the civil surgeon's office. After finding traces of Aedes, we have taken initiatives to destroy them and ordered store owners to be vigilant," Dr Jahidul said.

The SCC health official said, "In June, we will conduct another entomological survey covering all city wards and will also try to survey door-to-door."

He claims there is no shortage of larvicide and adulticide.

Many residents are complaining about mosquitoes. When asked why there are mosquitoes everywhere despite spraying and fogging, Dr Jahidul said, "Most city canals and drains are clogged, and so, they become mosquito breeding zones. No matter how much we spray and fog, mosquitoes will remain until these are cleaned."

On March 11, a massive cleaning drive under "Clean Village, Clean City" project was initiated by the corporation but was halted due to the countrywide shutdown.

SCC Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury said, "As we resumed the anti-mosquito drive and have already sprayed larvicide and adulticide in six wards, I am hopeful that we will be able to control the mosquito menace and prevent any possible dengue outbreak."