Chittagong is experiencing an outbreak of diarrhoea as at least 264 patients have reportedly been hospitalized in 15 upazila health complexes over the last 24 hours.
Among them, 50 people are affected in Boalkhali, 33 in Chandanaish, 32 in Patiya and 29 in Anwara. These upazilas are seeing more patients compared to other upazilas.
According to various hospital sources, hundreds of patients have been admitted to the hospitals with diarrhoea in the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, the civil surgeon's office formed a three-member committee to find out the cause of the outbreak.
It also ordered the reconstitution and preparation of one medical team in each union and five in each upazila health complex.
Besides, a control room (phone number 02333354843) has been opened by the civil surgeon and health education programs have been strengthened to increase public awareness about diarrhoea.
Due to a shortage of beds in government hospitals, many patients are being treated on the floor.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Elias Chowdhury said necessary medical supplies are also in stock.
“We are fully prepared to treat the patients,” he said.
In addition to public and private hospitals in Chittagong, many are receiving treatment at home, he added.
Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) Associate Prof Mamunur Rashid said due to excessive heat, people are suffering from the disease as they are consuming juice, water and various foods.
Nuruzzaman, a resident of Boalkhali, said he admitted his mother with diarrhoea at Boalkhali Upazila Health Complex in critical condition a few days ago, but now his mother's health is improving and he is going back home with his mother.
Brigadier General Shamim Ahsan, director of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said the number of diarrhoea patients has increased in the hospital due to severe heatwaves.
"This situation has been prevailing for some days. But there is nothing to fear as we have made all kinds of preparations to treat the patients," the CMCH director added.
