Dengue infections rise fivefold this year: Minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said the dengue situation is alarming as the country has witnessed a fivefold rise in the dengue infections in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a press conference on Covid-19 vaccination at the Secretariat in Dhaka.
In the five months, from January 1 to May 29 this year, a total of 1,843 dengue patients were admitted to different hospitals. During this period, 13 people died due to dengue, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The health minister said the dengue outbreak has increased in the country and neighboring countries. However, the departments concerned have been directed to take appropriate measures to address the dengue menace.
"As many as 1,704 dengue patients have been hospitalised from January 1 to May 28. 13 people died during this time. Compared to the last year, the number of patients is almost five times more this year," he added.
The minister further said, "DGHS has held a meeting with the directors of our hospitals, so that the hospitals should be prepared to deal with the patients properly. We shared the dengue survey reports to two Dhaka city corporations."
"Separate wards and separate spaces have been established in the hospitals for dengue patients. The government has trained 2,500 doctors and nurses for the dengue patients," he added.
The minister also said that arrangements were made to promote dengue awareness campaigns through posters, banners and TV advertisements to curb the mosquito-borne disease.

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