Dengue outbreak may expand in September-October: BSMMU VC
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The Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dr. F. M. Siddiqui, has expressed his concern that the dengue outbreak in the country may further intensify during the months of September, October, and December.
The VC said that necessary preparations have been taken to provide medical care to patients to handle the potential health threat.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a university central seminar titled "Dengue 2026: Updates on Emerging Challenges and Clinical Management," held on Monday at the university's A-Block auditorium. The seminar was organized by the university's Central Seminar Sub-Committee.
Dr. F. M. Siddiqui said, "In mitigating dengue, the preparedness of doctors and hospital authorities alone is not sufficient. To control and prevent the dengue outbreak, extensive social awareness must be built by involving city corporations, relevant government and private institutions, educational establishments, and people from all walks of life. Alongside destroying the breeding grounds of the Aedes mosquito, the vector of dengue, and intensifying cleanliness drives, coordinated initiatives are needed to ensure preventive behaviors among the public."
Speaking as a special guest at the seminar, BSMMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Md. Nazrul Islam said, "When people are infected with dengue, timely diagnosis is the most crucial factor. If diagnosis is not made in time, the patient's condition may deteriorate. Therefore, it is essential to provide accurate treatment after proper diagnosis."
The seminar emphasized the current dengue situation, the complexity of the disease, timely detection, and appropriate clinical management. Particularly highlighted were the need for rapid decision-making in treating dengue patients, identification of high-risk patients, and coordinated clinical management at the hospital level.
A scientific paper was presented at the seminar by Dr. S. M. Rashed Ul Islam, Associate Professor of Virology at BSMMU.
Chaired by Professor Dr. Afzalun Nessa, Professor of Virology at BSMMU and Chairperson of the Central Seminar Sub-Committee, the seminar was attended by special guests including Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, and Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Mostafa Kamal.
The seminar was conducted by Dr. D.M.M. Faruque Osmani, Associate Professor and Head of the Heart Failure Division, Department of Cardiology, and a member of the Central Seminar Sub-Committee. Also present were Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman, Dean of Dental Faculty Professor Dr. Sakhawat Hossain Sayanth, along with teachers and doctors from various departments of the university.
The seminar placed special importance on raising public awareness for dengue prevention, early-stage case detection, enhancing the capacity of the healthcare system, and strengthening coordination among physicians, health institutions, and relevant government and private organizations.
