The dengue situation across the country is worsening each day and 60% of the cases have so far been reported in Dhaka, Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said.
"At this time last year, our situation was considerably better… If we do not take precautions starting from now, the situation will get worse," he said while talking to reporters at his residence in Manikganj's Garpara on Sunday.
With six more deaths the death toll from dengue stood at 73 and 836 more patients were admitted to hospitals in the 24 hours till 8am yesterday.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), of the new patients, 516 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka.
The minister said that the efforts to combat dengue are continuing. He mentioned that the city corporations and municipalities will be asked to increase their efforts in controlling the outbreak.
"Our mayors are going to various buildings to supervise and bring the situation under control, but it has not come under control. It is not possible for them alone. People should also come forward," the minister added.
Chittagong is also not far behind, as an alarming 111 people were hospitalised in the port city with dengue in the 24 hours to yesterday morning. This is the highest number of dengue patients admitted to hospitals in a single day in the city this year.
So far this year, Chittagong has reported a total of 859 dengue cases, including 13 fatalities.
Chittagong District Civil Surgeon Office Health Coordinator Sujan Barua said a total of 295 people were diagnosed with dengue, and four have died in July alone.
Commenting on the situation, Jatiya Party Chairman and Deputy Leader of Opposition Ghulam Muhammad Quader yesterday said the government and private hospitals should provide free dengue testing and treatment.
Besides, action should be taken against those who cannot control the dengue situation due to their incapability, he suggested.
If there is evidence of corruption, action should be taken against them, he added.
In a statement sent out to the media, he said that there was no effective measure from the government to tackle the dengue outbreak.
Our correspondent Matiur Rahman from Manikganj contributed to this report.
