50,000 infected in August alone, 182 die
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
When children are burning with fever and covered in red rashes working-age people are suddenly collapsing from Aedes mosquito bites. Hospital beds are full. The combined onslaught of measles and dengue is lengthening the death toll. According to government figures, in August alone, over 53,829 people were infected with these two diseases, and 182 died.
Since last March, people have been bewildered by the measles outbreak. Children have been the hardest hit. Despite five months passing since the outbreak began, measles has not been controlled; rather, infections and deaths increased in August compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, the rising statistics of dengue infections and deaths have many families terrified.
Dr. Be-Nazir Ahmed, former director of the Disease Control Division of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and a public health expert, commented that the government has completely mishandled the measles situation. Due to a shortage of vaccines and public awareness campaigns, measles cannot be prevented. In his opinion, measles is on the verge of becoming an endemic disease.
This public health expert also stated that the ongoing dengue control activities are ineffective, leading to increased severity. If Aedes mosquito control is not enforced strictly, there are fears that this seasonal disease will worsen further.
An analysis of data from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the DGHS reveals that in July, an average of 1,011 people were infected with the preventable disease measles daily. In August, that number rose to 1,074. In August, 139 children died from measles, compared to 119 deaths the previous month. The majority of the deceased are children.
Government data further indicates that from March to August this year, 979 people have died from measles, with total infections reaching 178,534. In the last 24 hours for which data is recorded, 1,231 people were infected, and six died. Robiul Hossain, a six-year-old infected with measles, has been admitted to Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute in Shyamoli, Dhaka. This child from Gazipur, Dhaka, has been ill for a week. After five days of treatment at a local hospital for a high fever, his condition deteriorated, and he was brought to Dhaka. His father, a rickshaw puller, has already sold his rickshaw to cover hospital costs and is now relying on loans. Sarwar Hossain said, "He is my beloved son, born after three daughters. Even if it costs money, I pray he survives."
According to DGHS data, 20,536 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease dengue in August, more than double the number from the previous month. In July, the number of infections was 9,206. Additionally, 36 people died from dengue in July, which increased to 43 in August. This year, 37,170 individuals have been infected with this mosquito-borne disease, and 102 have died.
DGHS data also shows that 1,324 people were infected with dengue in the last 24 hours, and five died during this period.
Compared to children and the elderly, more working-age individuals are dying from dengue. As a result, many families are not only losing loved ones but are also struggling to manage their households. Two weeks ago, Badal Rahman (38) from Barishal died after being infected with dengue. He was the sole earner in a family of six. His wife, Reshma Akter (27), said, "Relatives gave us some money after my husband's death. We are managing with that for now. I still don't understand how the family will survive. One child is five years old, and the other is three."
Dr. Mushtaq Husain, former chief scientific officer at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and a public health expert, stated that the government must implement Aedes mosquito control activities with the same urgency throughout the year. Additionally, to prevent dengue deaths, he emphasized the need for testing as soon as a fever appears. Early detection would reduce physical complications for patients.
Regarding measles control, Professor Dr. Md. Ziauddin Haider, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Affairs (with the status of a Minister of State) and a public health expert, said the vaccination coverage target has been met 100% within a month. Speaking about the future, he said, "Nevertheless, many children have died from measles, where even one child's death from a preventable disease is not acceptable. Research is underway to determine if these children are dying from measles or other causes. In addition to maternal and child malnutrition, the tendency to seek medical care late is also contributing to the rise in deaths."
