Dengue infections are rising across Bangladesh ahead of the monsoon season, raising concerns among health experts and hospital authorities already dealing with a measles outbreak.
Patients have begun seeking treatment at hospitals in several districts, while mosquito larval density has reached worrying levels in many areas. However, most major hospitals outside Dhaka have yet to open dedicated dengue wards or corners, relying instead on general medicine units to treat patients.
Health experts have also warned of the risk of cross-infection, as dengue and measles patients are often treated in the same facilities.
Rajshahi: Three deaths reported
Rajshahi Medical College Hospital has recorded 51 dengue admissions so far this season, according to hospital spokesperson Dr Shankar K Biswas.
Of those admitted, 48 have been discharged, while the remaining patients are receiving treatment. Three dengue-related deaths have been reported.
"Currently, two to three dengue patients are being admitted daily. If the number increases, we are prepared to open a separate dengue corner," he said.
No dedicated dengue unit has been opened yet.
Meanwhile, Rajshahi City Corporation organized a dengue awareness rally on Saturday to encourage preventive measures among residents.
Speaking at the event, City Corporation Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Khulna: 347 infections, two deaths
A total of 347 dengue cases and two deaths have been recorded across the 10 districts of Khulna division between January 1 and June 6.
According to divisional health officials, 58 patients are currently hospitalized, while 285 have recovered.
Khulna Medical College Hospital Superintendent Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman said 61 dengue patients had been admitted to the hospital this year. Of them, 51 recovered and returned home.
Nine patients are currently undergoing treatment.
Hospital Director Dr Kazi Md Ainul Islam said no separate dengue unit has been established due to a heavy patient load.
"This 500-bed hospital currently accommodates around 1,400 patients. Dengue patients are being treated in the medicine wards," he said.
Chittagong: Hospitals on alert
In Chittagong, 184 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals between January 1 and Saturday, including 113 in the city and 71 in other parts of the district.
One dengue-related death was reported in February. Nine patients are currently receiving treatment.
Chittagong District Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said the current infection rate remains manageable but warned that the risk could increase during the rainy season.
"Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, so mosquito control remains the most effective preventive measure," he said, adding that the Chittagong City Corporation has been urged to intensify mosquito eradication efforts.
Mymensingh: One death, no dedicated ward
Mymensingh Medical College Hospital has reported one dengue-related death this year.
Deputy Director Dr Jakiul Islam said 11 dengue patients are currently admitted to the hospital's medicine department.
"No separate ward has been opened yet because of the relatively low number of patients. However, we are prepared to expand services if admissions rise," he said.
Barisal: Highest caseload among divisions
Barisal division has recorded 1,149 dengue cases so far this year, the highest among the regions surveyed.
According to Divisional Health Director Dr Md Lokman Hakim, 1,069 patients have recovered, while 80 remain hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
At Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal, 12 dengue patients have been admitted this year. Four are currently undergoing treatment.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Dr Mashiul Munir said dengue patients are being treated in medicine wards, with no separate unit established so far.
Rangpur: No advance preparations
Rangpur Medical College Hospital has recorded only two dengue admissions this season.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Ashikur Rahman said no dedicated dengue ward has been opened and no special preparations have been undertaken yet.
"If patient numbers increase, all necessary arrangements will be made," he said.
Sylhet opens dengue corner
Unlike most other divisional hospitals, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital has already opened a dedicated dengue corner.
Hospital Director Brigadier General Dr Umar Rashid Munir said the 20-bed unit has been prepared in advance, although no dengue patients have been admitted so far.
"We are ready to respond if cases increase," he said.
Preparedness remains uneven
While dengue cases remain relatively low in some regions, health officials expect infections to rise with the onset of the monsoon.
Although a few hospitals have initiated preparedness measures, most divisional medical facilities have yet to establish dedicated dengue treatment units, raising concerns about their capacity to handle a potential surge in cases during the peak transmission season.
