More than 42,000 people hospitalized with dengue in Bangladesh
Since the beginning of the year, 42,590 people have been hospitalized in Bangladesh due to dengue fever, and 117 patients have died. Over the past day, at least four patients died, while another 1,558 people were hospitalized — the highest daily number of hospitalizations this year, The Jerusalem Post reports, citing data from the country's Health Ministry.
Hospitals are operating under strain
The surge in cases in September is creating additional pressure on medical facilities. According to the publication, August was the month with the highest number of recorded dengue cases since the beginning of the year, but experts warn that September figures could be even higher.
Jahangirnagar University medical entomologist Kabirul Bashar said that if the current trend continues, the number of hospitalizations in September could exceed 30,000. In his assessment, weather conditions will also favor the spread of the disease in October. He stressed that the epidemic has not yet passed its peak.
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Cases recorded in all districts
Dengue is spreading not only in Dhaka and other major cities: cases of the infection have been recorded in all 64 districts of Bangladesh. At the same time, the largest share of patients is in the capital. According to Bashar, this is facilitated by the spread of Aedes mosquitoes beyond major urban centers.
After the temperature drops, patients' condition may deteriorate rapidly: plasma leakage, low blood pressure, shock, and severe bleeding are possible. Dr. Tarek Alam, who treats dengue patients in Dhaka, urged people not to ignore abdominal pain, dizziness, and unusual lethargy.
Authorities step up prevention
The government has intensified measures to counter the spread of the infection. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered nationwide cleanup and public awareness campaigns, urging people to remove stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites. Bashar noted that spraying alone will not stop dengue if mosquito breeding sites remain untouched.
