Cold-related illnesses rising in Gaibandha hospitals

The number of patients, specially children with cold-related diseases, is increasing at hospitals in Gaibandha as the season is changing.

Around 500 patients were admitted to the children’s and diarrhoea wards of hospitals in the district over the past four days from Sunday to Wednesday. Twenty patients were referred to Rangpur for advanced treatment.

At Gaibandha General Hospital, patients with fever, cold, cough, pneumonia, breathing difficulties and diarrhoea have increased in recent days. Around 67 new patients were admitted in 24 hours till Wednesday.

The hospital was crowded with patients, with some receiving treatment on floors and in corridors due to a shortage of beds. The outpatient department also saw long queues of children.

Meanwhile, dengue and measles cases are also rising in the district.

According to health authorities, 41 new dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals in the 24 hours on Wednesday (October 7). A total of 376 dengue cases were reported in the district from January 1 to October 7, with one death.

During the same period, 524 measles cases were reported, including 394 patients treated at Gaibandha General Hospital.

Civil Surgeon Dr Rafiquzzaman advised people to take extra care of children and elderly people. He also advised keeping children warm, avoiding cold and stale food and seeking medical advice promptly if symptoms appear.