Dengue infections are spreading across Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, with multiple members of the same families falling ill simultaneously.
The severity is reflected in the death toll at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), where 23 dengue patients died between January 1 and November 11 this year. Of them, 10 were from Chapainawabganj, accounting for nearly 43% of the deaths, while six were from Rajshahi.
According to hospital records, two patients each from Natore and Kushtia and one each from Pabna, Jhenaidah and Sirajganj also died. Chapainawabganj and Rajshahi together accounted for 16 deaths, nearly 70% of the total.
RMCH spokesperson Dr Sheikh Shamim Ahmed said Chapainawabganj recorded the highest number of dengue deaths, followed by Rajshahi.
The latest victim was Bulu, 40, a homemaker from Dargapara in Rajshahi city, who died on Tuesday afternoon from dengue haemorrhagic fever. She was admitted on Monday. Earlier, on November 1, Runa Begum, 40, from Namopara in Chapainawabganj, died of dengue shock syndrome.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, 55 new dengue patients were admitted to RMCH, while 60 were discharged. Currently, 179 patients are receiving treatment.
Chapainawabganj's situation is particularly concerning. Health department data show that 3,111 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals in the district between January 1 and November 5. Another 2,403 were diagnosed through outpatient services, while 214 were referred elsewhere for advanced treatment. The official death toll stands at 10, although locals claim several others have died with dengue-like symptoms.
A survey by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) found Aedes larvae in 54 of 150 houses inspected across five neighbourhoods of Chapainawabganj municipality. Poor drainage and waterlogging have created mosquito breeding grounds.
The rising patient load has also overwhelmed the 250-bed district hospital, forcing many patients to receive treatment on floors and verandas. Staff shortages and infections among healthcare workers have added to the pressure.
The outbreak has affected entire families. Mariam, from Shibganj, brought her sister-in-law to RMCH after several members of her family, including herself, contracted dengue. Her husband lives abroad, while her in-laws and other family members had also been infected.
Rajshahi city is also at high risk. A survey conducted between August 3 and 10 found Aedes larvae in 24 of 75 houses across five neighbourhoods. Of 68 water containers examined, 46 contained larvae. Researchers collected 685 larvae, including 505 Aedes albopictus and 86 Aedes aegypti.
Divisional Health Director Dr Habibur Rahman said areas with a Breteau Index above 20 are considered high-risk under World Health Organization guidelines. Rajshahi's index stood at 61.33 in the latest survey.
Chapainawabganj municipality and the district administration have formed special teams to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and raise awareness. Deputy Commissioner Abu Saleh Md Musa said eight teams were working across the municipality, while Civil Surgeon Dr AKM Shahab Uddin said awareness campaigns were being conducted through loudspeaker announcements and mosque sermons.
Rajshahi City Corporation has also launched a three-month mosquito-control drive across its 30 wards, involving fogging, drain cleaning, sanitation campaigns and larvicide spraying.
