Cold-related illnesses are on rise in Kurigram, Chandpur

FE Team | Published: January 14, 2024 22:31:57

The ongoing cold weather conditions have started to take toll on human health as cold-related illnesses are on rise in Kurigram and Chandpur, particularly affecting the elderly and children, reports UNB.
In Kurigram, in the northern district of Kurigram, daily life has been severely disrupted by a cold wave accompanied by dense fog for the past five days.
The extreme weather has led to a significant increase in health emergencies, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Hospitals in Kurigram are witnessing a daily surge in patients suffering from diarrhea, pneumonia, shortness of breath, and other cold-related illnesses.
"The number of cold-related patients, including those with diarrhea and pneumonia, is on the rise," reported Dr. Nazmul Islam, Resident Medical Officer of Kurigram General Hospital.
He noted that most patients are from the more exposed char areas and that "children, women, and the elderly are more affected."
Kurigram's Rajarhat Meteorological Office recorded morning temperatures hovering around 10-11 degrees Celsius, with predictions of no immediate rise in temperature until rainfall occurs. Subal Chandra Sarkar, a weather official, warns of the possibility of a cold wave sweeping over the district this month. The impact of the cold is notably more severe in chars within the district, with temperatures having fluctuated around 9.13 degrees Celsius over the past two weeks.
The relentless cold spell in Kurigram exemplifies the urgent need for adequate measures to support the affected communities, particularly as healthcare facilities face increasing pressure from the rising number of weather-related illnesses.
In Chandpur, the residents of Chandpur are facing disruptions in their daily lives caused by the bone-chilling cold prevailing in the district for a couple of days.
The minimum temperature in the district was recorded at 14.8 degrees Celsius at 6pm on Saturday.
As a result, the cold-related illnesses are on rise in Chandpur, particularly affecting the elderly and children.
Symptoms include cold, fever, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia, diarrhea, and other related ailments.
Nurses and doctors at Chandpur General Hospital are under increased pressure due to the surge in winter patients. The bed shortage has forced some individuals to receive treatment on the hospital floor.
According to hospital sources, more than 1500 children have received treatment from the hospital so far, including 283 in the last two weeks.
On average, 85 children are admitted daily against 42 beds designated for children.
Two children have died due to the cold related diseases in Chandpur this month.
Besides, 20 children and elderly patients were referred to Dhaka for better treatment.
Dr AKM Mahbubur Rahman, superintendent of the hospital, said the hospital has a sufficient amount of antibiotic medicine and nebulizer for treating pneumonia and cold related diseases