The country adds 83 deaths since the beginning of the year. The spread of the disease does not stop, and the numbers exceed the normal limits of the seasonal period. According to experts, it is an effect of climate change. The epicenter is located in the capital, followed by the district of Cox’s Bazar. The mortality rate is higher among people aged 40-50 years.
Dhaka () – After the Covid-19 pandemic, another new ghost threatens Bangladesh and it is called dengue. In the last 24 hours, eight people died from this fever. Never have there been so many deaths in a single day, and the death toll since January 1 stands at 83.
According to data released by Dr. Zahidul Islam, head of the Emergency Health Operations Center, 765 people have recently been hospitalized for dengue: 497 reside in Dhaka and 286 in the outskirts. The number of patients throughout the country amounts to 2,695. Dhaka is the epicenter of the infection, followed by Cox’s Bazar, the district that hosts the Rohingya refugee camps.
Among the 83 dengue victims, at least two are Catholic children: Dia Rozario, 10, died on September 23, and Singdha Gomes, 7, on August 22. Both are from Tejgaon Parish in Dhaka. They were admitted to the hospital, but it was not possible to save them.
The Department of Health reports that 23,282 people have been hospitalized for dengue fever since the beginning of the year. Of these, 20,504 have recovered and been discharged. It is feared that this year’s epidemic in Bangladesh may be prolonged and the infection situation may become more complicated. Normally, outbreaks of this mosquito-borne disease occur between the months of April and September. However, being in mid-October, the infection curve is rising.
Ahmadul Kabir, Deputy Director General of the Department of Health, said that due to climate change, dengue outbreaks have occurred in places where the disease did not exist before. In addition, most of the patients who came to the hospital had already been infected with dengue one or more times in the past. This shows that the symptoms are more acute.
However, Kabir assures that the dengue situation in the country is still under control, and urges the population not to panic. “Since the number of patients is constantly increasing,” he said, “we have instructed public hospitals so that no patient has to go home without treatment. They will provide the necessary staff, beds and logistical support.”
According to the Department of Health, the majority of dengue victims are over 20 years of age. Mortality is higher in the age group of 40-50 years. 35% of deceased patients were under 18 years of age. Due to the delay in transporting patients to the hospital, many people die within three days of admission. The population uses mosquito nets, insecticides and other materials to protect themselves.
