No let-up in dengue cases

More and more dengue patients are requiring hospitalisation as the number of dengue cases continues to rise across the country.

At least 224 people with dengue fever were admitted to hospitals in the country in 24 hours ending at 8am yesterday. Thirteen of them were from outside Dhaka. This took the total number of dengue patients to 4,543, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Of the infected, only 170 were from outside Dhaka.

Around 1,885 of the dengue patients were diagnosed during the current month, which indicates the fast-rising trend of the disease.

As the capital's public hospitals are overwhelmed with Covid patients, those with dengue were finding it hard to get admission there.

The growing number of dengue cases since last month has been an additional pressure for the hospitals.

Though most of the patients who were hospitalised have so far been released, 946 are still undergoing treatment at hospitals in Dhaka, and 46 outside the capital, the DGHS data shows.

DGHS spokesperson Dr Md Nazmul Islam said the dengue situation could turn alarming again, but it would be possible to face the situation if necessary measures are taken immediately.

At least 2,286 people were hospitalised in different hospitals across the country in July, which was 272 in June. Forty-three were infected in May.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Md Atiqul Islam yesterday said all officials, employees and councillors will remain active until Aedes mosquitoes -- carrier of dengue and Chikungunya -- are eradicated.

The mayor made the comment while addressing an awareness programme at Beraid as the chief guest.

He said effective steps have to be taken so that every area remains Aedes mosquito-free.

The mayor also called on residents to clean their houses and destroy the Aedes mosquito larvae or the breeding sources. He said the anti-mosquito activities will have to be sped up and everyone will have to take part in that.

The mayor also reiterated his announcement of monetary rewards for residents for cleaning coconut shells, unused toilet fittings, plastic bags and discarded tyres.

"We will give Tk 50 for unused commode and discarded tyres and will give Tk 5 for each coconut shell, pots and chips packets. Anyone can collect the money by submitting it to the councillor office or zonal offices," he said.

He said everyone will have to be careful so that water cannot remain stagnant for more than three days at different pots, flower tubs, rooftops, or any other containers. He also urged people to dump solid waste in a designated place.

The mayor said due to the awareness of people, the number of dengue patients is still less in DNCC areas. He also urged people to wear masks and follow health guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.