Here is how dengue has been running riot all over. No fewer than 15,000-plus people have been afflicted with the ailment, even though Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon has denied that we have an epidemic on our hands. One wonders what his understanding of an epidemic is, but as conditions stand, there is indeed a dengue epidemic in the country. It would be foolhardy to deny it or ignore it. And let us remember that this figure of 15,000-plus people down with dengue comes from the Directorate General of Health Services.

There is that breakdown of figures which projects a dismal picture of the situation at the various hospitals where dengue-affected people have been going through treatment. And, yes, there are also scores upon scores of others who have not been able to find space in the hospitals and clinics. Of the 800 beds in its wards, as many as 456 beds are currently occupied by dengue-affected patients at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. At Suhrawardy Hospital, where no more than 60 patients can be treated at a time, 165 people affected by dengue now occupy its corridors and other available spaces. At Salahuddin Specialised Hospital, as we understand, between 10 and 12 dengue-affected patients are being turned away every day for lack of space and other medical facilities. At Shishu Hospital, no more than 670 patients can be given treatment. Despite such limitations, a far higher number is there in need of emergency medical treatment. Let it also be noted that dengue has by now claimed the lives of a good number of patients, including three doctors and two university students. Should we still say it is no epidemic?

It now becomes extremely important for the government, indeed for the health authorities, to go full steam into tackling dengue. While we speak of the figures for dengue patients in the nation's capital, we are also aware of what is and could be happening in the small towns and upazilas of the country. Above all, now that dengue stalks the country, citizens would quite properly like to know what health safety measures the city corporations have been taking in the last many years. Adequate funds have been provided to them to import necessary equipment that will stave off such pests as Aedes mosquitoes. At the same time, there are programmes and funds in place for homesteads, markets and streets to be kept clean. Why have the city corporations not carried out their responsibilities? One is not impressed by images of our mayors now going out with equipment slung around their shoulders to detoxify mosquito-infested areas. Publicity stunts will not kill the Aedes mosquitoes. Efficient and competent administration will.

Providing treatment to those affected by dengue and preventing a further spread of the disease is the priority now. Will the authorities do their job?