Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday said that the dengue situation in Dhaka is stable.
“However, there is a higher rate of dengue infections outside of the capital,” he said while talking to journalists at his residence located at Garpara union under Manikganj Sadar upazila.
“The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b) in our country has developed a vaccine for dengue prevention on a trial basis, which is still under testing,” the health minister said.
“The research institute has reported that their vaccine is quite effective. However, more research and trials are needed. Upon completion of the tests, World Health Organization (WHO) approval will be sought and, once granted, the vaccine can be used in our country,” he said.
The health minister revealed that research on a vaccine for dengue is ongoing worldwide and two vaccines have been discovered so far, but they are not being used due to certain issues.
“There are four types of dengue, and while some viruses are suppressed by the vaccine, not all are. Those who have been vaccinated for dengue face severe symptoms when attacked by another type of dengue virus. Thus, dengue vaccines are not being used globally,” he said.
The health minister said: "We have sufficient saline, which is very crucial for dengue patients.”
“At present, over 9,000 patients are under treatment in various hospitals across the country. The health ministry approved to import of 700,000 bags of saline,” he said.
“So far, 300,000 bags have arrived, and the remaining 400,000 bags are expected to arrive soon,” Zahid Maleque said.
“Nearly 40,000-50,000 bags of saline are being received daily and are being distributed to the hospitals,” he said.
“In addition, private pharmaceutical companies have significantly increased their production of saline,” he added.
Urging the public to be vigilant, the health minister said that dengue tests are essential once the fever is noticed.
"Often, there is a delay in admitting the patient to the hospital. As a result, treatment and recovery become challenging, and in many cases, the patient may die. Therefore, timely dengue testing and treatment are crucial," he added.
