The spread of dengue cases and deaths have raised concerns of the people in Khulna as the residents of villages are diagnosed with the viral fever.
This year, around 3,850 people were hospitalized with dengue while 23 of them died till Tuesday. The numbers were 1,600 and 16 last year.
As of Tuesday, 256 dengue patients are under treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH).
According to Resident Medical Officer Dr Suhas Ranjan Halder, a total of 35 dengue patients were admitted to the hospital and one patient died in the 24 hours till 8am yesterday. On the other hand, 43 dengue patients were cleared during the same period.
“Currently, 196 patients are being given treatment at the hospital. The total number of patients in 2023 is 2,444.
“People from 20 districts of Khulna and Barisal divisions and five districts of Greater Faridpur come to this hospital. In 2022, some 666 dengue patients were diagnosed in this hospital; of them, eight patients died,” Dr Shuhas told Dhaka Tribune.
Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Md Sabizur Rahman said that 17 dengue patients were admitted to Khulna Sadar Hospital, private clinic and upazila health complexes in the last 24 hours till 8am on Tuesday, and 36 dengue patients received clearance.
“Till Tuesday, the number of dengue patients is 60. This year, the total number of patients is 1,406. Of them, two patients died during treatment. Last year, 934 dengue patients were identified in Khulna and eight of them died,” he added.
The Civil Surgeon’s Office does not count detections and deaths at the KMCH.
Experts say Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading dengue, are evolving and have become deadlier. They warn that the disease may spread till the end of October due to accumulated rain water.
Meanwhile, an awareness meeting on public involvement in dengue prevention was held at Gollamari in Khulna on October 12. Dr Md Manjurul Murshid, divisional director of the Khulna Health Department, was the chief guest at the event, organized in collaboration with Unicef.
“Dengue requires public awareness, not fear. Mosquitoes can bite at any time. It is possible to avoid dengue by cleaning the yard of our houses, office premises, flower tubs and the surroundings of all schools and colleges. For this, more awareness should be created among the people.
“We have to solve our own problems. He also said that there is no alternative to dengue testing. Not all viruses cause dengue. The government has fixed 50 rupees free for dengue fever tests in government hospitals. In order to keep Khulna free from dengue, government agencies as well as private firms, educational institutions and social organizations should work together,” Dr Murshid said.
Unicef Health Officer Dr ASM Nazmul Ahsan said antibiotics cannot be taken in case of dengue. Dengue should be tested only if there is fever.
“Children and women are more at risk and die from dengue than men. There is no substitute for awareness to prevent dengue,” he added.