Dengue disease escalates at Fakirhat

FAKIRHAT, BAGERHAT, July 23: Amid persistent rainfall, the dengue outbreak has been escalating in Fakirhat Upazila of Bagerhat.
 
Over the past month (June 22�"July 22), 46 dengue cases have been detected at the Upazila Health Complex laboratory. Of these, 16 were identified in the last three days alone. However, testing was suspended for approximately 15 days during this period due to a shortage of test kits.

According to sources at the Upazila Health Complex, by 1:30 pm on Wednesday, over a hundred outpatients had sought treatment for symptoms including fever, body aches, and skin rashes. In July so far, 15 patients have been hospitalised due to dengue-related complications. As of Wednesday, three patients were receiving treatment at the hospital.

Sudeb Halder, Medical Technologist (Lab) at the hospital, reported that 46 dengue cases were detected between June 22 and July 22. Testing was halted for about 15 days due to a lack of kits. After kits were restocked three days ago, testing resumed, and 16 cases were confirmed in just these three days. Additionally, dengue patients have been identified at 14 private clinics and diagnostic centres in the upazila, but those figures are not included in the Upazila Health Complex's statistics.

A visit to the hospital revealed that due to ongoing renovation work in a section of the facility, there is a shortage of wards. As a result, dengue patients are being treated alongside other patients in the general ward.

Dr. Tanvir Mahmud Anik, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of the Fakirhat Upazila Health Complex, stated that the number of dengue patients has suddenly increased. 

Infection rates are notably higher in the Bahirdia and Fakirhat Sadar areas. On an average, over a hundred outpatients are coming in daily with fever, body aches, and rashes. 

Many are reluctant to undergo dengue testing. Between 20 and 22 patients per day exhibit strong dengue symptoms. If their physical condition deteriorates, they are being admitted to the hospital.

Rina Begum, a patient undergoing treatment at the hospital, said she had been suffering from a fever for several days. 

Initially assuming it was a regular fever, she took medication, but her condition did not improve. Later, she came to the hospital, got tested, and was diagnosed with dengue. She is now receiving treatment under medical supervision.

Md. Roknuzzaman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO),  said that NS-1 dengue tests are being provided free of charge at the government hospital. Necessary medicines are also available. 

He emphasised that personal and social awareness is crucial for dengue prevention. Stagnant water must not be allowed to accumulate anywhere�"in yards, rooftops, balconies, or surrounding areas�"for more than three days.