75 new dengue cases in Rangpur

Dengue cases continue to rise in Rangpur Division, with 75 new infections and another death reported in the past 24 hours.

Rangpur Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Ashikur Rahman confirmed the information on Saturday.

The deceased, Rumi Begum, 35, was a resident of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur. She had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for eight consecutive days and died on Friday night while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).

According to the media cell of the Divisional Health Director’s Office, of the 75 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 32 were from Rangpur district, four from Dinajpur, 13 from Nilphamari, 10 from Lalmonirhat, three from Gaibandha and 13 from Thakurgaon.

Dr Wazed Ali, acting director of the Rangpur Divisional Health Office, said dengue control required more than medical treatment. City corporations, municipalities and local residents must work together to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, he said.

With the latest death, the dengue death toll in Rangpur Division this season has risen to eight. Of them, five died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital and other hospitals, two at Kurigram General Hospital and one at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital.

Hospital sources said Rumi Begum was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital last Monday. As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to the ICU, where she died on Friday night.

Family members said Rumi had recently been looking after relatives who had arrived from Dhaka. She developed a fever about 15 days after they returned home.