Dengue disease on rise in Bagerhat 

 
BAGERHAT, July 18:  Dengue infections are increasing in Bagerhat, with more than 200 patients receiving treatment at the district's main hospital over the past 15 days, according to hospital authorities.

The Bagerhat District Hospital has admitted an average of at least 10 dengue patients a day over the past week. On one day this week, the hospital recorded its highest daily admission, with 53 patients.

Hospital records show that most infections are being reported in villages along the border areas of Kachua and Morelganj upazilas. Doctors say they are struggling to cope with the growing number of patients because of a shortage of medical staff.

Health officials have warned that the outbreak could worsen over the next two months and have urged people to take preventive measures against dengue and the Aedes mosquito that spreads the virus.

Fatema Akter, a school student, and Soma Saha, a homemaker, both from villages in Kachua Upazila, said they sought medical treatment after developing fever and body aches. Tests later confirmed they had dengue, and they were admitted to hospital for treatment. They said several people in their neighbourhood had previously been infected.

Dr Asim Kumar Samaddar, Superintendent of Bagerhat District Hospital, said dengue patients began arriving in May. Around 200 patients were admitted in June, while the total had exceeded 400 by the middle of July.

"The number of patients is increasing day by day," he said on Thursday. "If the spread of dengue is not brought under control now, it will become difficult to manage the situation in the coming weeks."

He said a dedicated hospital unit had been opened to treat dengue patients and called on the public to help prevent the spread of Aedes mosquitoes through greater awareness and mosquito-control measures.