Spike in infections feared as many thousands leave cities

Lack of comprehensive, sustained efforts to control dengue may prove disastrous

Preventive measures must be taken immediately and rigorously

Authorities, residents should take measures to prevent a dengue wave post-Eid

Lessons from past years must reflect in decisions by relevant authorities

Authorities must learn from last year’s botched response, and start early preparation

Mosquitoes are a pest with no equal. Though not all mosquitoes transmit life-threatening diseases, those that do kill approximately 725,000 people worldwide every year. When not fatal, the diseases mosquitoes spread can result in bouts of debilitating fever, nausea and vomiting, compromising immune systems and disrupting economies. The WHO South-East Asia Region is particularly affected.