Dengue danger clear and present

The number of dengue patients crossed the 1,000 mark in May this year, which is five times higher than the same month in 2019. In 2019, the country saw over 1,00,000 dengue patients, the highest in the country since its first outbreak in Bangladesh in 2000.

According to the DGHS, the number of dengue cases in May was 163, 273, 10, 193, 52 and 114 in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively. This year, the number rose to 1,036. A total of 13 patients have died after being infected with the mosquito-borne disease.

Stressing the need for hot spot management, entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University said the authorities will have to conduct drives in the areas from where dengue patients are coming. Killing adult mosquitoes is now very important as mosquitoes in those areas are infected with dengue virus, he added.

"Raising awareness and anti-mosquito drives are crucial. Getting tested for dengue and staying inside a mosquito net after catching fever are also compulsory measures," he added. "Apart from the city corporations, it is the role of every citizen to be aware of dengue mosquitoes. They must check their houses and yards at least once a week to check for any stagnant source of water. Moreover, those who get affected a second time must be hospitalised, as they are more vulnerable."

According to DGHS, at least 95 dengue patients were hospitalised across the country in the last 24 hours till yesterday morning. The total number of dengue patients rose to 2,022.

HM Nazmul Ahsan, associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, said, "Dengue is still under control but it may spread further if necessary measures are not taken immediately. Windows and doors must remain shut in the morning and evening as Aedes mosquitoes normally bite during these times. Mosquito repellents can prove to be beneficial."

Nazmul also mentioned some symptoms and said when the signs are noticed, the patient must be hospitalised. These signs include severe stomach pain, vomiting, breathing problems, blood in nose, gums, vomit or stools, weakness and a significant decrease in platelet counts, he said.

"A patient can reach a critical stage within 24 to 48 hours of showing these signs. Immediate treatment can cure most patients in this stage. Patients with heart, kidney, and liver complications, cancer patients and pregnant women have to be taken under special supervision by the hospitals," said Nazmul.

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh yesterday said it is not possible to control dengue by only applying insecticide.

Addressing a programme at Basabo, he said they are distributing leaflets to all households to make people aware of the menace.