Pirojpur dengue cases cross 4,000, patients

Dengue cases in Pirojpur have crossed 4,000 this year, with 50 to 70 new patients being reported daily, according to local health authorities. Patients and their relatives have raised concerns over delays in test reports and shortages of doctors and nurses at the district hospital.

The district has recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Barishal division, with infections continuing to put pressure on healthcare facilities.

A total of 4,000 dengue patients have been admitted to Pirojpur Sadar Hospital and health complexes in seven upazilas this year. In the last 24 hours, 50 people tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease.

Currently, 162 patients are receiving treatment at the district hospital and upazila health complexes, while 3,837 patients have recovered and returned home. One person has died of dengue in the district this year.

The dengue ward has been set up on the second floor of the newly constructed 250-bed Pirojpur District Hospital, replacing the previous 100-bed facility. However, patients’ relatives have complained of a shortage of doctors and nurses, raising concerns about the quality of treatment.

They also alleged that it takes up to three days to receive dengue test reports from Pirojpur Sadar Hospital. As a result, many families are turning to private diagnostic centres for faster results, incurring additional expenses.

Pirojpur Civil Surgeon Dr Matiur Rahman said the dengue ward had been separated from the medicine ward, but acknowledged a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers. He said the matter had been reported to the higher authorities and that steps were expected to address the doctor shortage soon.

He also said all types of testing facilities were available at the district hospital.

Health officials have stressed the need for greater public awareness and proper monitoring to prevent a further rise in dengue infections.