Mugda Medical College Hospital’s dengue ward is struggling to cope with a sharp rise in patients, with 127 people receiving treatment against its capacity of 48 beds.
The number of patients was nearly three times the ward’s capacity on Tuesday (August 25), forcing many to receive treatment on the floor and in the ward’s veranda because of the shortage of beds.
During a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, every bed in the ward was occupied. Additional patients were being treated on beds placed on the floor, with saline and medicines being administered.
According to hospital sources, 20 dengue patients were admitted on August 20, 40 on August 21, 36 on August 22, 35 on August 23 and 44 on August 24.
Another 20 dengue patients had been admitted by 2pm on August 25, the sources said.
Nasima, sub-in-charge of the dengue ward, told Dhaka Tribune: “Our ward has 48 beds, but 127 patients are receiving treatment today. There were fewer patients until July, but admissions suddenly increased significantly in August.”
She said most patients usually need about a week to recover and return home, while critically ill patients require longer treatment.
Hospital sources said most patients are coming from Khilgaon, Mugda, Banasree, Tikatuli, Manda, Jatrabari, Badda, Matuail, Demra, Jurain, Narayanganj and Munshiganj. The number of patients from outside Dhaka is comparatively low.
Medical Officer Dr Sara said the number of dengue patients had increased significantly, with young adults making up the majority of those admitted. Children and elderly patients were comparatively fewer.
“So far, one dengue patient has died,” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of using mosquito nets to prevent dengue, Dr Sara said: “Even if one person in a family is infected, other members should also sleep under mosquito nets. Many patients have told us they did not regularly use mosquito nets.”
Patients struggle without beds
Badda resident Swapan Mia said his fever started a week ago.
“Later, when vomiting, headache and severe pain behind my eyes worsened, I came to the hospital. After coming here, I was diagnosed with dengue,” he said.
“I am receiving treatment on the floor because there was no space on a bed. I have severe pain behind my eyes, headache and sometimes continuous vomiting. Saline and medicines are being administered, but I cannot even eat properly,” he added.
Tamanna, a 25-year-old resident of Khilgaon, has been admitted to the hospital for four days.
“I always keep the area around my home clean and sleep under a mosquito net. Even then, I think I was infected after being bitten by a mosquito somewhere outside my home,” she said.
She also criticized the city corporation’s mosquito-control efforts.
“The city corporation’s mosquito-control activities are very slow. More emphasis should be given to this issue,” Tamanna said.
“I am sick, so my children’s studies are also being affected. I have severe body aches and no appetite. I am only receiving saline, and my body has become very weak,” she added.
DSCC response
Asked what measures had been taken to prevent dengue amid the worsening situation, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam said areas reporting higher numbers of dengue patients were being given priority in mosquito-control operations.
“Multiple teams are working in the field, and their activities are being regularly supervised. At the same time, activities to increase public awareness are also continuing,” he said.