Following the recent measles outbreak, Mymensingh city is now grappling with a surge in dengue cases, with multiple members of families in different areas being infected.
Although an isolation ward has been opened at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital to deal with the situation, the rising number of patients has put severe pressure on the facility. The ward is overcrowded, with patients occupying verandas and other areas outside the ward as doctors and nurses struggle to provide treatment.
According to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital authorities, 1,604 dengue patients have received treatment at the hospital so far this year, while 12 have died. Currently, 128 dengue patients are undergoing treatment.
Dengue in multiple households
Rafidul Islam, the school-going son of businessman Abdur Rahim from the city’s Sehra area, has been suffering from thalassemia since childhood. He requires an AB-negative blood transfusion every month.
On August 29, Rafidul was admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital after contracting dengue. Tests showed that his platelet count had dropped significantly, and doctors advised him to receive a blood transfusion.
Abdur Rahim said he was worried about his son’s condition as he was now suffering from dengue in addition to thalassemia.
“I have to receive blood transfusions every month due to thalassemia. In the meantime, he has contracted dengue, which has taken a complicated course. God knows best whether I will be able to keep my son alive with the way dengue patients are dying,” he told Bangla Tribune.
He said several people living near his home had also contracted dengue.
“Mymensingh city has become a dengue hotspot in the last two months. More or less everyone is getting infected,” he said.
In several areas of the city, two or three members of the same family are also receiving treatment for dengue.
Kamal Hossain, a resident of Boundary Road, said poor sanitation and drainage were creating favourable conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
“Due to the city’s dirt and garbage, there is more opportunity for Aedes mosquitoes to breed. That is why the number of dengue patients in different households is increasing,” he told Bangla Tribune.
He said both public awareness and city corporation initiatives were inadequate.
“Mosquito repellents are not being used properly. Aedes mosquitoes are breeding increasingly due to the poor drainage system. The city corporation needs to take effective initiatives in this regard,” he said.
Hospital under pressure
Mymensingh Medical College Hospital Assistant Director (Administration) Dr Mainuddin Khan said an isolation ward had been opened on the third floor of the hospital following the increase in dengue patients.
“But due to the additional patients, there is no space inside or outside the ward. Currently, 128 patients are receiving treatment. Doctors, nurses and staff are struggling to cope with the pressure, but we are providing medical services to the best of our ability,” he told Bangla Tribune.
Calls for stronger mosquito control
Mymensingh City Corporation Chief Health Officer Dr SK Debnath said effective measures had been taken in different parts of the city to control Aedes mosquitoes.
“Especially, initiatives have been taken to eradicate Aedes mosquitoes using fogger machines. However, city residents also need to remain aware and take preventive measures,” he told Bangla Tribune.
The surge in dengue cases is putting additional pressure on Mymensingh’s healthcare system while highlighting concerns over waste management, drainage, mosquito control and public awareness.
As infections continue to rise and hospitals struggle with patient pressure, residents have called for coordinated and effective measures to control the outbreak.
