Dengue patients surpasses 100,000

Staff reporter :

Dengue infections in the country have surpassed the 100,000 mark this year, while the number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease has reached 404.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 397 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals in the 24 hours up to 8:00am on 13 December, bringing the total number of hospitalised cases this year to 100,090. No dengue-related deaths were reported during this period.
Of the newly admitted patients, 180 were from Dhaka’s two city corporation areas. Others included 59 from Chattogram Division, 53 from Dhaka Division, 18 from Mymensingh Division and 52 from Barishal Division. In addition, 14 cases were reported in Khulna Division, 19 in Rajshahi Division and two in Sylhet Division.
At present, 1,404 dengue patients are receiving treatment at hospitals nationwide. Of them, 460 are being treated in Dhaka, while 944 are admitted to healthcare facilities outside the capital.
DGHS data show that men account for 61.8 percent of dengue cases this year, with women making up the remaining 38.2 percent. Among the fatalities, 53.2 percent were male and 46.8 percent female.
Dengue caused 575 deaths last year. In 2023, the disease claimed 1,705 lives-the highest on record-when 321,179 cases were reported, alongside 318,749 recoveries.
Dengue awareness focuses on recognizing symptoms (fever, headache, pain, rash), preventing mosquito bites (repellent, protective clothing, screens, nets), and eliminating breeding grounds (removing standing water in containers, tires). It’s crucial to see a doctor for diagnosis and monitor for severe warning signs like severe abdominal pain or bleeding, which require emergency care, as dengue can become serious quickly. Community action, government programs, and media play vital roles in controlling this mosquito-borne disease.
As Prevention Strategies: Use DEET/Picaridin repellents, wear long sleeves/pants, use mosquito nets, and install window screens. Empty and clean flower pots, pet dishes, old tires, and any containers holding water at least weekly. Participate in local clean-up drives and support government awareness campaigns.
And As Treatment & Management: Early diagnosis with blood tests (PCR, NS1 antigen, CBC) is crucial for proper management.Treatment involves fluids (IV), pain relief (avoid aspirin/NSAIDs), and rest; severe cases need blood transfusions.