Dengue cases are rising in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, with health officials expressing concern over the increasing prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes and growing pressure on hospitals.
In Rajshahi, the breeding density of Aedes mosquitoes has doubled in just two months, while the number of dengue patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital has also increased. Meanwhile, new dengue patients are being admitted to Chapainawabganj District Hospital almost every day.
Aedes breeding doubles in Rajshahi
The Breteau Index, an entomological indicator used to measure the density of Aedes mosquito breeding in an area, has reached 61.33 in five areas of Rajshahi city, according to the latest survey by the Department of Health.
The index stood at 30.66 in the same areas in May, meaning the breeding density of Aedes mosquitoes has doubled in two months.
The survey was conducted from August 3 to 10 in Kazihata, Chandipur, Uparbhadra, Namobhadra and Hazrapukur areas of the city.
During the survey, 75 houses were inspected, with Aedes larvae found in 24 of them. Of 68 water containers examined, 46 were found to contain Aedes larvae.
A total of 685 mosquito larvae were collected from different breeding sites. Of these, 505 were identified as Aedes albopictus and 86 as Aedes aegypti, while the remaining 94 belonged to other mosquito species.
The larvae were found in flower pots, plastic and ceramic tubs, clay and tin containers, coconut shells, cement tubs, drums, submerged floors, paint buckets and plastic buckets.
Rajshahi Divisional Director (Health) Dr Habibur Rahman said the World Health Organization considers an area with a Breteau Index above 20 to be at high risk of dengue.
"The situation is worrying as Rajshahi's index has reached 61.33 in the latest survey. In this situation, a letter has been sent to the Rajshahi City Corporation administrator to take necessary measures to prevent dengue," he said.
Dengue patients rise in Rajshahi
The number of dengue patients at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital has also increased.
According to hospital sources, one dengue patient was undergoing treatment on June 13. The number rose to nine by July 30.
The figure increased further in August, reaching 13 on August 6, 23 on August 8, 26 on August 9 and 30 on August 10.
The highest number, 33, was recorded on August 15. There were 27 patients on August 16, 25 on August 17, 32 on August 18, 28 on August 19 and 27 on August 20.
Hospital spokesperson Dr Sheikh Shamim Ahmed said a dengue patient died at the hospital on August 11.
"Patient pressure is increasing slightly. However, the hospital is prepared to provide proper treatment to dengue patients," he said.
Residents said mosquito infestations had increased in the city and called for stronger measures by the city corporation.
"It is not enough to raise public awareness. The city corporation also has a major role to play in controlling dengue," they said.
Rajshahi City Corporation Chief Cleaning Officer Sheikh Md Mamun Dollar said preventive measures were underway.
"It is not possible to completely eradicate dengue. However, preventive activities are underway to prevent its spread. Cleanliness drives are being conducted in every ward and residents are being made aware," he said.
Chapainawabganj also sees rise in cases
Meanwhile, dengue cases are also increasing in Chapainawabganj, with doctors warning that the situation could worsen during the remaining monsoon if effective measures are not taken soon.
According to information from Chapainawabganj District Hospital on August 21, 52 dengue patients were undergoing treatment there. Of them, 25 were men, 20 women and seven children. Six of the children were boys, and one was a girl.
As of August 20, 50 dengue patients had been admitted to the hospital. Subsequently, 39 more patients with dengue symptoms were admitted, including 23 men, 13 women and three children.
Of the newly admitted children, one was a boy, and two were girls.
On August 21, 36 patients were discharged after recovering — 14 men, 18 women and four children. One female patient was referred to Rajshahi for advanced treatment.
RMO of the 250-bed Chapainawabganj District Hospital, Dr Md Mahbub Hasan, said rainfall had contributed to the increase in patient numbers.
"Due to the rainfall, the pressure of dengue patients has increased. The hospital's dengue corner has been kept ready to deal with the situation. Necessary medicines, medical equipment and other supplies have also been stocked," he said.
He added that the hospital was trying to ensure proper treatment despite a shortage of doctors.
A total of 492 dengue patients had been admitted to Chapainawabganj District Hospital between January 1 and August 21 this year. Another 316 patients have been identified through the hospital's outpatient department during the same period.
No dengue deaths have been recorded at the hospital this year so far.
Hospital sources said only 130 dengue patients had been admitted until July 30, meaning nearly 100 were admitted in the following two weeks.
On July 30 alone, 12 new patients were admitted, 13 were discharged after recovery and one was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. At that time, 20 patients were undergoing treatment.
Two separate dengue corners have been opened in the male and female wards. The hospital has 20 dedicated beds for dengue patients, and no patient has so far needed to be treated on the floor.
The authorities said additional wards would be opened if patient pressure increases further.
At present, all 10 beds in the male ward are occupied. Mosquito nets have been installed over each bed, and patients are receiving necessary treatment.
A staff nurse in charge of the ward, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all 10 beds were currently occupied.
"There has been a shortage of beds for other patients at times, but dengue patients have not had to be treated on the floor so far," he said.
However, he expressed concern that the situation could worsen.
"The major wave of dengue has not started yet. There is a fear that the number of patients may increase further. However, there is no shortage of medicines, medical supplies or necessary equipment, and all necessary services are being provided to dengue patients," he said.
Calls for stronger mosquito control
Chapainawabganj District Environmental Protection Movement Secretary General Moniruzzaman Monir said dengue prevention required both effective municipal services and greater public awareness.
"Dengue is an Aedes mosquito-borne disease. The municipality is responsible for cleaning the city, but its activities have been inadequate. Public awareness is also important," he said.
He said fogging operations had become less visible and called for immediate use of fogger machines to control mosquitoes.
Chapainawabganj Sadar MP Nurul Islam Bulbul and former MP and Zilla Parishad Administrator Harunur Rashid Harun said cleaning the municipality was the responsibility of the municipal authorities.
They attributed some of the problems to the absence of elected representatives in the municipality but said effective measures would nevertheless be taken.