5 more die of dengue, 1,162 get hospitalised

With 1,162 new dengue patients reported yesterday, the total number of cases this year has risen to 71,675. That is 8,510 more than the same period last year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, five new dengue-related deaths were recorded yesterday, raising the total death toll for the year to 283, compared to 310 at the same time last year.

Against this backdrop, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz said yesterday that recent data analysis shows a decline in both dengue cases and deaths in DNCC areas compared to previous years.

"However, even a single death from dengue is unacceptable to us. Despite limited manpower, we are striving to provide the best possible service," he said at a press conference on the current dengue control activities at the DNCC headquarters in Gulshan.

Azaz emphasised that dengue control is achievable through public awareness and the collective efforts of all service-providing institutions.

"At the beginning of the monsoon season this year, we held a meeting with experts. We have tried to implement their recommendations throughout the year," he added.

Highlighting the manpower shortage, the DNCC administrator noted that international standards require over two health workers per thousand people to ensure adequate public health services.

"However, we have only one worker for every 11,000 people -- far below the required level," he said.

In response to a question from journalists, Azaz said seven inspectors have been appointed to strengthen field-level services in line with expert recommendations.

Meanwhile, Prof Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University, said dengue cases tend to rise in waves.

"When mosquito density is high, it becomes very difficult to contain the spread of dengue. Our forecasting model suggests that cases peaked in October, will start to decline in November, but will remain at a significant level until January," he said.

He stressed that while city corporations must intensify efforts on source reduction, breeding-site management, and hotspot control, community participation is equally crucial.

HM Nazmul Ahsan, associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, said dengue admissions have increased significantly in recent days.

"Many patients arrive with low blood pressure and signs of shock, particularly after the fever subsides," he said.

"The 48 hours following the end of fever are the most critical and require close monitoring. If intravenous fluids are not administered on time, the condition can worsen -- and those who arrive late are often the ones who die."

He recommended early hospital admission for high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Ahsan also advised patients receiving home care to stay well-hydrated by consuming saline, coconut water, rice starch, soups, and fresh fruit juices to prevent dehydration.