Cold-related illnesses on the prowl in Kurigram

The number of patients, mostly children, suffering from cold-related illnesses, including diarrhoea, pneumonia and shortness of breath, is rising in Kurigram.

According to Kurigram Civil Surgeon's office, the number of diarrhoea and pneumonia patients in the district hospitals has been increasing in the last few days. The number of diarrhoea patients in various health complexes in the district as of Tuesday was 17, which included 8 children. The rate of patient admissions at the Kurigram General Hospital is very high. 

According to hospital sources, the number of diarrhoea patients at the hospital till Tuesday morning was 32, which included 25 children. And the number of patients with pneumonia was eight, all of whom were children.

Pulak Kumar Sarkar, resident doctor, Kurigram General Hospital, said: “The number of patients suffering from diarrhoea and pneumonia is on the rise. Most of these patients are children. The authorities are making all arrangements for medical services to be provided to incoming patients.”

Pulak Kumar Sarkar also said, “Children should be protected in this cold winter. Dressing children in winter clothing, avoiding cold places and keeping them indoors as much as possible will provide a lot of protection. In addition to nutritious food, drinking hot water when needed will provide protection against cold-related diseases.”

Char residents are suffering greatly due to fog and freezing winds. The suffering is intense especially for day labourers, who fail to work as they cannot go out in the cold. As a result, many are struggling to support their families. They need sweaters or jackets as winter clothing instead of just blankets.

According to the Kurigram Disaster Management Committee of the district administration, 35,000 blankets and 9,000 packets of dry food are being distributed that have been allocated for nine upazilas of the district. Besides, Tk6 lakh has been allocated in each upazila for the purchase of winter clothes. Various social organizations have already started distributing winter clothes.

Subal Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory (Agriculture and Synoptic) in the district, said a moderate cold wave was sweeping across the country. Similar weather may prevail in the next few days, with the temperature likely to fall further.