Dengue menace: 400 infected on Monday alone

Yesterday saw the highest number of dengue-infected people: 403 people with dengue have been admitted to hospitals on Monday. 

“It was the highest number of dengue patients hospitalised on a day, this year,” said Dr. Ayesha Akter, assistant director at the Health Emergency Operations Center of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Of the infected 403, except two patients in Khulna; all of the other patients have been admitted in hospitals in the capital. The fever is taking its toll on children this year, as they stay indoors most of the time.

“Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean waters, especially in indoors. So, children are more vulnerable, as they pass most of their time indoors,” said Professor Dr Syed Shafi Ahmed, Director of Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital. 

“Dengue spread, as it presently stands, seems to be alarming; but hasn’t reached an epidemic level,” said Dr Syed.

So far, the lethal fever claimed the lives of two children; and the number of infected people are now six times higher than what it has been in previous year, according to DGHS data. 

The data also shows that the average number of people infected by the virus this year stands at 154. 

The two city corporations of the capital have a plan to destroy mosquitoes breeding points across the city, private residences included.