Dengue cases likely to peak in late September, early October: Muhit
Govt plans three-month campaign as infections continue rising
Dengue infections in Bangladesh are rising and could reach their peak in the last week of September and early October, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit said today (9 September).
"We are concerned that dengue cases may reach the highest level in the last week of September and the beginning of October," he said at a seminar organised by Anchal Foundation and the Human Rights Development Centre at Dhaka Reporters Unity.
The government will launch a three-month public awareness campaign involving volunteer organisations and the public to combat the outbreak, the state minister said.
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He urged people to keep their homes and workplaces clean and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
City corporations, local government bodies and the Health Ministry will jointly conduct cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns and larva-control activities, he added.
Muhit said the government's two main objectives are to reduce dengue infections and lower the death rate.
As part of preparations, around 3,000 doctors have already received refresher training on dengue management, with training set to continue at district and upazila levels, he said.
"Based on the current rate of infections, we have sufficient dengue testing kits and saline in stock," the state minister said.
Dedicated dengue beds have also been made available at government hospitals. If patient numbers rise, additional beds will be rearranged for dengue treatment, he added.
The state minister urged private hospitals to prepare for the expected surge.
"If necessary, private hospitals will have to play a role in treating dengue patients," he said, adding that hospitals should keep designated beds for dengue patients and avoid unreasonably increasing treatment costs during the peak period.
