Dengue may surge by end of this month: State Minister

The dengue outbreak in the country has started to intensify again, with the number of cases potentially rising further in the last week of September or early October, State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit has warned.

He made the remarks at a discussion marking World Suicide Prevention Day at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Wednesday.

The state minister said the government is set to launch a three-month nationwide dengue campaign aimed at reducing infections and deaths from the mosquito-borne disease.

As part of the initiative, 300 doctors will receive specialised training on dengue treatment, he said. Anticipating a further rise in patients, the authorities have also stockpiled hospital beds, saline and dengue testing kits.

Speaking at the event, Muhit also said the suicide rate has increased partly because mental health has not received adequate attention.

He alleged that attempts are often made to suppress or conceal cases when adolescents die by suicide, stressing the need for greater focus on mental health to reduce suicide rates.

The government is working on mental health initiatives as part of efforts to prevent suicides, he added.