Dengue deaths, cases hit new highs

Bangladesh Wednesday reported 19 deaths in dengue outbreak, the highest in a single day, taking the death toll to 146.
The number of new cases also hit a new high of 1,792 as the mosquito-borne fever continued unabated countrywide, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The dengue death rate is five-year high this year.
Of the total cases, according to the DGHS, 922 were from Dhaka and 870 elsewhere.
The total dengue cases rose to 25,792. Of them, 16,398 were from Dhaka, disclosed the DGHS.
A total of 5,552 people were being treated across the country in hospitals. Of them, 3,370 were from Dhaka.
Of the total patients admitted, 20,094 made recovery and returned home, including Dhaka's 12,915.
Last year, 281 people died of dengue, the highest in the history of the country.
The number of deaths may increase as dengue has taken a terrible form, health experts fear.
They apprehend that the situation would worsen in August and September compared to July as the rainy season came late this year.
UNB adds: Despite the government's visible preventive measures, the numbers of cases and fatalities from dengue fever are rising day by day as a record number of cases and deaths were reported in the country in the first six months of 2023.
According to experts, the pattern of Aedes has changed as it has now become much "smarter" than before.
Entomologist Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University said, "The dengue situation may worsen in the running month. During our research in the laboratory, we make a model after analyzing some factors, including the density of Aedes mosquito population, number of dengue patients, temperature, humidity and rainfall."
"It is clear that the dengue situation may worsen in the coming days. It could take a serious turn in the months of August and September," added the professor.
He urged city-dwellers to ensure that Aedes mosquitoes do not accumulate in their homes and yards.
According to a DGHS survey done in 98 wards under Dhaka North and South city corporations from June 18 to 27, 55 wards are at high risk of dengue.
During the survey in 40 wards of DNCC and 58 wards in DSCC, Aedes larvae were found in 43.53-per cent multipurpose buildings, 21.31-per cent houses and 18.21-per cent under-construction buildings.
Public-health expert Dr Lelin Chowdhury cited some reasons behind deaths from dengue. First, most of those who were infected with dengue this year, have had dengue once or twice before. When they again became infected with the disease, the severity increased.
Most of them failed to identify whether they were infected with dengue and some people were in a dilemma. When they delay in seeking medical attention, they develop a condition of complications or shock syndrome.
"This is another reason for deaths behind dengue," said Dr Chowdhury.
Besides, the behaviour pattern of Aedes has changed as they bite people throughout the day and night, and can remain active in artificial light outside, which is playing a vital role in dengue infection.
"We are afraid that if no immediate program is taken against the Aedes mosquito to control dengue, a terrible disaster might be upon us in the coming days."
DGHS director general Prof ABM Khurshid Alam said, "This year, as monsoon started late, there is a possibility that the dengue season may prolong. We have taken steps to minimise the manpower crisis and dengue treatment is going on in all hospitals in the capital."
Additional director of DGHS, Dr. Rasheda Sultana, told the UNB news agency that dengue corners have been opened in all hospitals and an information desk is available in the hospitals.
Sufficient beds are available for providing treatment to dengue patients, she said.
There are 800 beds in DNCC's dedicated dengue hospital while there are 600 beds in Mugda General Hospital, 120 in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, 195 in Salimullah Medical College and Hospital, 44 in Shishu Hospital, 120 in Suhrawardy Hospital, 250 in Kurmitola General Hospital and 72 in Kuwait Maitree Hospital.

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