24 die of dengue in one week, hospitals order to reserve 10pc beds

Dengue is no longer confined to a particular season, with the mosquito-borne disease spreading throughout the year and triggering growing fear and concern.

Although the situation remained relatively under control during the first few months of the year, the scenario changed rapidly after the onset of the monsoon.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), more than 43,000 dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals between January 1 and September 7 this year. Of them, 121 have died, while nearly 41,000 have recovered. At present, 1,314 patients are undergoing treatment.

The death toll has continued to rise over the past three months. Dengue disease claimed 13 lives in June, 36 in July and 43 in August. Another 24 people died in the first week of September.

More than 1,000 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals on each of the first four days of September, raising serious concerns among health authorities.

Dr MA Hasnat, a medicine specialist at Universal Medical College Hospital, said people are more frightened than aware of the disease.

“We need to become more conscious so that dengue cannot spread. We should destroy mosquito breeding grounds in advance. Another important thing is that if anyone develops a fever, they should consult a doctor quickly and confirm whether it is dengue,” he said.

Against this backdrop, the DGHS has instructed both public and private hospitals to reserve at least 10 per cent of their beds for dengue patients.

Professor Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Director General of the DGHS, said the authorities were ensuring mosquito nets in dengue wards.

“We want to ensure mosquito nets in dengue wards. We have also instructed private hospitals to provide some flexibility in conducting tests. We have requested every hospital to reserve 10 per cent of its beds for dengue patients,” he said.

Health authorities said they have adequate preparations to tackle the dengue outbreak, urging people not to panic but to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.