64 children die of dengue this year; delayed diagnosis, hospitalisation cited as key factors

Infograph: TBS

A total of 64 children, aged 1-15 years, have died from dengue this year, contributing to the overall 573 fatalities as of yesterday (30 December). 

Of these deaths, 51.2% were women and 48.8% were men, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Among the child victims, 26 were aged 0-5 years, 22 were aged 6-10 years, and 16 were aged 11-15 years. Health experts attribute the high mortality rate among children and women to delayed diagnosis and hospitalisation.

Dr Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, an associate professor of Internal Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), said, "Children may not show warning signs as clearly as adults. It is especially difficult to manage severe dengue in children who experience fluid leakage, bleeding, or shock."

He advised parents to watch out for signs like dehydration, a decrease in urination and any changes in their child's condition. If any warning signs appear, parents should seek medical help immediately.

Public health expert Dr M Mushtuq Husain told The Business Standard, "The main way to manage dengue is through early detection. Children often cannot express their symptoms, so the diagnosis is often delayed.

"Women tend to tolerate pain quietly, and they too are often taken to the hospital late due to negligence. Because early detection doesn't happen, dengue-related deaths are high, and women and children are even more at risk."

Dr Mushtuq added, "Dengue has now become a year-round problem. This year, cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have also been reported. If there is no dengue outbreak next year, we may see an increase in chikungunya or Zika cases. Therefore, local governments and city corporations must carry out mosquito control programmes year-round to prevent dengue, chikungunya, and Zika."

Since 1 January 2024, a total of 101,130 dengue cases have been reported. In November, 173 people died from dengue, marking the highest number of deaths in a single month.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) conducted the Monsoon Aedes Mosquito Survey-2024 from 4 to 13 November.

The survey found Aedes larvae, which cause dengue fever, in 18.8% of houses in Dhaka North City Corporation and 25.6% of houses in Dhaka South City Corporation.

The highest Breteau Index, which measures the presence of Aedes larvae, was recorded in Ward 47 of Dhaka South at 70. An index above 20 is considered risky by entomologists.

So far this year, 238 people have died in Dhaka South, the highest number of deaths under any city corporation.

Prof Dr Golam Sharower, head of the Department of Entomology at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, said, "In the latest mosquito survey of 2024, the Breteau Index in areas under Dhaka South was found to be very high. This means that the mosquito population is still much higher than normal. The survey indicates that infections may increase in the coming year."

He added, "We need to collect samples of the insecticides used to kill mosquitoes and test them for any issues, such as overuse, underuse or resistance. Insecticides must be used properly, and adjustments should be made if needed.

"Staff should be trained and decisions should be made at the start of the year to ensure that the right measures are taken."