A family devastated by B virus

B virus has brought immense distress to a poor family at Jolagati village in Kawkhali upazila under the district.

Md Shah Alam, 45, a day labourer of Jolagati village, is now struggling for existence with his B virus affected wife and 18-month-old son, having earlier lost two sons to the same disease.

"Nine years ago, my five year old son Md Kayum fell ill with serious fever and I took him to Kawkhali Upazila Health Complex. Shortly afterwards, I took him to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and he died there next day," said Shah Alam.

Earlier he became sick sometimes but it was not serious, he said.

After four and a half years, his elder son Md Shameem, a student of Class IX, suddenly felt serious pain in his belly and he was admitted to a private hospital in Khulna.

"Due to serious monetary crisis, I brought him back and admitted him to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and came to know that he was attacked by B Virus, which causes death in most cases. Within one and a half months, he died," he said.

As per doctors' suggestion, bloods tests of Shah Alam, his wife Nasima Begum, 37, and daughter Aysha, 4, were conducted in Dhaka and B Virus was found in his wife's body.

"Sometimes, my body sweats, I feel tired and my hands and feet convulse," said Nasima.

"I also tested the blood of my one and a half year old son Musa early June this year and B virus was found in his body. Now I am helpless as the doctor has said that a few lakh taka would be needed for my son and wife's treatment," said Shah Alam.

Shah Alam needs help from the solvent people to save his son, said Jakir Hossain, a local. 

Md Idris Ali, Pirojpur Sadar upazila health and family planning officer, said, "When Shah Alam's son first became sick I told him to take him to Barisal for better treatment. Then I came to know that the boy was attacked by B virus that is responsible for damaging liver."