2 More Die of Dengue in 24 Hours
Aedes Mosquito. Collected photo
Two more people have died of dengue across Bangladesh in the past 24 hours (from 8 am Saturday to 8 am Sunday). Both of the deceased dengue patients were women. They were aged between 26 and 35. One died in the Barishal Division and the other at a hospital under Dhaka South City Corporation.
The information was disclosed in a press release from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services. According to its data, the latest deaths bring the total number of dengue fatalities this month to four. From January to June 20 this year, nine people have died of the mosquito-borne disease.
DGHS data also shows that 220 patients were hospitalized with dengue in the last 24 hours. So far this year, 4,900 dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals.
A division-wise breakdown shows that Barishal recorded the highest number of new hospitalizations in the last 24 hours with 54 cases. Khulna reported 52 cases, areas outside Dhaka city 44, Dhaka North City Corporation 29, Dhaka South City Corporation 20, Chattogram Division 16, Sylhet Division four, and Mymensingh one.
Dengue cases have been rising during the monsoon season in Bangladesh for several years. The disease is most prevalent from July to September. However, if the monsoon extends, cases can also appear in October as rainwater accumulates in small drains and pits, increasing mosquito breeding. This year’s deaths and infections, however, are lower compared to last year.
Public health experts, however, warn that dengue could spread earlier than the peak monsoon season this year. They say failure to prepare from now could lead to a serious outbreak. They emphasize that prevention must be the top priority. They also note that since the current government came to power in February, dengue prevention efforts have been strengthened from March onward.
