Dengue death toll reaches 100 this year

Reza Mahmud :
Dengue infections are increasing alarmingly across the country claiming at least 100 lives this year.
Public health experts warned more dire consequences from the dengue outbreak as there is no sign of reducing infection in spite of taking various measures to curb the disease.
They suggested that public awareness is the key now to restrain the massive outbreak of the mosquito born disease.

The Directorate General of the Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday said in its news bulletin that seven more dengue patients died in the last 24 hours till Saturday morning.
It also said 1623 dengue patients were hospitalised in this period across the country.
Among them 1168 were in Dhaka hospitals and the rest 455 out of the capital city.

This year, 100 deaths were reported from dengue disease while 269 died last year, the daily statement of the DGHS said.
With the new cases, the total number of patients rose to 19,454, the statement said, adding: Some 14,407 patients were released from different hospitals this year.
The DGHS has recently issued comprehensive instructions on prevention of dengue infection as the mosquito-borne tropical disease has increased sharply in the current year.
According to the DGHS data, dengue infection has increased five times since January 1 to May 31, 2023.
Meanwhile, two city corporations of the capital Dhaka have taken various measures to restrain the outbreak of the dengue including hiking mosquitoes killing actions in the awake of increasing spreading of the disease.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have started campaigns against the Aedes mosquitoes breedings hubs across their stipulated jurisdictions.
But the spreading of the fever is increasing in recent days.
In this situation, public health experts suggested creating more awareness among the people for curbing the infections.
When contacted, Professor Dr. M. Muzaherul Huq, former Adviser of the World Health Organisation (WHO), told The New Nation, “Dengue spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates where stagnant water is present during monsoon and after.”

“There is no alternative to create massive public awareness to fight against the Aedes mosquito breeding alongside the peoples’ home,” he suggested.
Beside the government’s efforts, the people have to do their part to control mosquito breeding surrounding their residencies, he added.
“Everyone knows the stagnant water is the main breeding place of Aedes mosquito which is the lone bearer of the dengue and chikunguniya. So, no one should allow keeping stagnant water in the eyesight for three or more days,” the Professor suggested.

He said also, the best is to use mosquito net or mosquito repellent in exposed places.
In case of late treatment, better to be admitting hospital as soon as possible, he advised.