28 dengue patients hospitalised in Chattogram division in 24hrs

Twenty-eight dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals across Chattogram division in the past 24 hours, bringing the number of patients currently undergoing treatment to 59, according to the divisional health office.

Chattogram district recorded the highest number of new hospital admissions with nine cases. The district now has 22 patients receiving treatment, including 11 at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Bandarban reported seven new cases, followed by Cox's Bazar with five and Khagrachhari with four. Currently, 11 patients are being treated in Bandarban and 10 in Cox's Bazar.

One patient each was admitted in Feni, Noakhali and Cumilla, bringing the combined number of dengue patients in the three districts to six.

Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, divisional director of health for Chattogram division, told The Business Standard that dengue infections have been rising since June as the monsoon arrived earlier than usual this year.

"Considering the current situation, the infection may continue until November," he added.

A recent survey conducted by the divisional health office identified eight wards of Chattogram City Corporation as dengue hotspots, while three key risk indicators — the container index, house index and Breteau index — were found to be above normal levels, the Chattogram divisional health director said.

"The findings clearly indicate an increased risk of infection. Alongside treating patients, there is no alternative to eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding sites, strengthening cleanliness drives and raising public awareness," he added.

He further said more than 100 doctors and over 100 senior staff nurses at government hospitals have been trained to respond to the dengue situation.

Training is also being extended to doctors and nurses at private hospitals in Chattogram city. Government hospitals have adequate stocks of IV fluids, dengue test kits and other essential supplies, while regular monitoring is being carried out to prevent shortages, he added.

Rabbi said dengue prevention efforts are being coordinated among the Health Ministry, the Directorate General of Health Services, divisional and district administrations, and local government institutions.

"Cleanliness drives are being conducted every week at government hospitals and health facilities, alongside continued public awareness programmes," he said.

He further said Chattogram City Corporation has been using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) — a biological larvicide imported from the United States — to destroy Aedes mosquito larvae, adding that the initial results have been encouraging.

"Health workers are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns in these areas. People are also being urged to seek medical attention promptly if they develop a fever, while hospitals have maintained adequate stocks of saline and dengue test kits," he added.

Since the beginning of the year, 1,116 dengue patients have been admitted to government hospitals in Chattogram division, while private hospitals have reported 141 admissions. A total of 1,198 patients have recovered and been discharged, while three people have died.