The ongoing dengue outbreak continues unabated across the country with 1,477 fresh cases recorded over the last 24 hours from 8:00 AM of July 30 (Tuesday) to 8:00 AM of July 31 (Wednesday).
With the new inclusion, the total number of dengue patients has reached to 16,846 in 63 districts of the country. Of them, the number of dengue-affected people recorded in July is 14,659. The number was 946 in July 2018.
On the other hand, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said on Wednesday the current dengue outbreak may continue until September, as Aedes mosquito continues to breed in August-September.
The DGHS suggested the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to control the situation.
So far some 41 people have been reported dead in the menace, whereas officials said 14 people have died of dengue.
The DGHS also urged the authorities to take necessary steps to train district-level health officials across the country. But it was found that no dengue test kit was delivered to district hospitals until Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Director Brig Gen A K M Nasir Uddin said on Wednesday a unit of the under-construction building of burn institute will be opened to provide services to the dengue patients, if their number increases.
Besides, the old building of the hospital will also be used, if necessary. These steps will be taken as part of the special arrangement to tackle the menace.
Most of the dengue patients of the capital are getting admitted to the DMCH. Children are the main victims of the virus-borne disease.
In the meantime, leave of all the employees of the Ministry of Health, connected with handling the outbreak, has been cancelled, and they have been asked to stay at their respective workstations, the director added.
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