by Sazzad Hossain
 
DHAKA, Oct 11, 2024 (BSS) – A total of 10 teams under the Local Government Division (LGD) are working to control the spread of dengue as both infection and fatality rates have increased sharply during the current month.
 
The coordination and monitoring teams were formed on September 23 at an emergency meeting of the LGD on combating the spread of dengue across the country including Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) areas.

Of the ten teams, four are working in DSCC areas while three in DNCC and one each in Narayanganj, Gazipur and Chattogram city corporation areas. Besides, a separate team was formed for working in the high-risk areas and municipalities, including Savar, Dohar, Tarabo and Rupganj.

Each of the teams has seven members while officials of the LGD with ranks of additional secretary and joint secretary were made heads of the teams.

In coordination with the chief executive officer of the concerned city corporation and municipality, each team is visiting at least three dengue prevalence areas and monitoring the dengue prevention activities every day.

Apart from submitting detailed reports on the measures and operations taken to combat the outbreak of dengue to the data collection committee of the LGD, the teams are implementing different activities like raising public awareness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, conducting cleanliness drives and eliminating larvae and mosquitoes to protect citizens from dengue infection.

Besides, in order to implement the mosquito eradication campaigns, 3,214 mosquito control workers are working in all city corporations and high-risk municipalities under the LGD.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 39,822 dengue patients were hospitalized between January 1 and October 9 this year, while the total number of deaths stood at 196.

Besides, a total of 36,151 dengue patients have been discharged after receiving treatment at different hospitals across the country.

Analyzing the DGHS data, it was found that the highest number of dengue cases and deaths were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation areas until now from January this year. So far 8,657 people were infected with dengue and 106 died of the disease in DSCC areas this year.

The Dhaka North City Corporation has secured the second place in terms of detection of dengue patients as so far 8,067 people were diagnosed with dengue and 27 died of the disease since January this year in the city corporation areas.

According to month-wise data, the highest number of dengue cases was reported in September as 18,097 people were infected by the disease and 80 died in the month. However, in the current month, 8,844 people have already been infected by the disease and 33 died in the first nine days.   

Speaking about the dengue prevalence in the DSCC area, its Chief Health Officer Dr Fazle Shamsul Kabir told BSS that there is a misunderstanding regarding the number of dengue patients and deaths in the DSCC area.

“The figure of dengue patients provided by the DGHS is hospital-centric. As the largest hospitals are located in the DSCC area, the number of cases and deaths appears higher here. Nevertheless, giving importance to the matter, we are continuing our efforts to eradicate the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito,” he said.

Noting that an untimely heavy rainfall is occurring this year, which was not seen in the last 4 to 5 years, the DSCC health officer said this abnormal rainfall is causing disruptions to mosquito eradication activities.

“Still, we are strongly optimistic that if the rain stops now, we will be able to bring the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes to zero level within the shortest possible time,” Kabir said.

Due to increased number of dengue patients and shortage of beds, the hospital authorities in the capital are struggling to tackle the situation.

Selim Uddin, a day laborer and resident of Shantinagar area of the city, has been taking treatment for dengue at Mugda Medical College and Hospital under the DSCC area for five days.

He said his condition was improving gradually.

Selim said people in their area are suffering constantly from mosquito bites day and night. But he is yet to witness any effective measure from the city corporation to eradicate mosquitoes.

Mizanur Rahman, a resident of South Banshree in the capital, told BSS that dealing with mosquito bites at night is challenging and it's just as tough during the daytime.

He said city corporation workers are occasionally seen spraying medicine and fogging to control the spread of mosquitoes.

Mizan said the city dwellers will be freed from mosquito infestation to some extent, if the city corporation sprays medicine regularly.

While visiting the Mugda Medical College and Hospital, it was observed that the hospital has been struggling to cope with the steep rise in the number of dengue patients.

Apart from general wards, the hospital authority arranged beds for dengue patients in veranda and near stairs to tackle the situation.

Similar scenarios were seen in other hospitals including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the city.

Mugda Medical College and Hospital Assistant Director Dr Satyajit Saha told BSS that around 300 to 400 patients receive treatment at the outdoor department every day.

The number of dengue cases is showing an increasing trend this month compared to last month, he said, adding, 30 percent of the total patients are children.

Apart from the capital city, the number of dengue cases and deaths are also rapidly increasing in different districts across the country.