Dengue cases surging in Cox's Bazar

COX'S BAZAR, Sept 15: The number of dengue cases is increasing at a worrying rate in Cox's Bazar at the present time.
Local residents, besides Rohingya people, are being affected increasingly by the mosquito-borne disease, creating a fresh concern.
Due to the surge in the number of dengue patients, the government hospitals as well as the private-owned clinics in the district are finding it difficult to deal with extra pressure of medical care.
It is learnt, a staggering number of dengue cases have been detected in Cox's Bazar town and Ukhiya-Teknaf Rohingya camp in recent time. Official record says as of September 11, the number of dengue patients in Cox's Bazar exceeded 6,000.
From January 01 to September 11 this year, the number of dengue patients in Cox's Bazar rose to 6,370.
Among the affected, 3,585 are from Rohingya refugees while 2,785 are from the local host community. Six people including Rohingya refugees have lost lives to dengue.
Doctors have attributed the hike in the cases of dengue infections to the continuous heavy rainfall in the district for the last few months. The dengue outbreak is continually increasing pressure of patients in the district hospitals.
At present, families of the affected people are in tension as there are no adequate seats in most of the public and private hospitals of Cox's Bazar.
Patients admitted are also not getting access to proper medical care.
In Cox's Bazar town, the number of patients is high in Peshkarpara, Barabazar, Bazarghata, Baidyaghona, Ghonapara, Tekpara, Tarabniarchhara, Alirjahal, New Baharchhara, Nunya-rchhara, Jhautla, Laldighir Par and Anderson Road. The reasons for the increased number of dengue patients are mostly identified as clogged drains and garbage piled up along the town roads.
Garbage remains piled up along the roads in some areas. Aedes mosquitoes are born from this garbage. People are infected with dengue after receiving bite of the Aedes mosquito.
Local residents said mosquito attack increases in the morning and evening.
Staying at home then becomes a problem. Besides, an overwhelming stench from roads and drains' filth make public life miserable.
On the other hand, dengue patients have taken seat on the floor without getting a seat in Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The hospital's superintendent Dr Mong Tingyo said that one of the reasons for the increase in the dengue rate is people's ignorance. To prevent Aedes mosquitoes, shrubs, house yards, drains and places where dirt accumulates around the house should be kept clean.
Cox's Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr Asif Ahmed Howladar said that due to excessive crowd of patients, the hospital management is under pressure.
But there are enough medical supplies. Doctors have been urged to take effective measures to control dengue quickly.

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