Dengue: 9 patients die, 1,042 hospitalized in 24hrs

A total of nine dengue patients died and 1,042 hospitalized across the country during the last 24 hours till Sunday morning.

"During the period, 195 patients were hospitalized in Barishal division while 104 were hospitalized in Chattogram, 201 in Dhaka division, 198 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 121 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 72 in Khulna, 41 in Mymensingh, 82 in Rajshahi, 23 in Rangpur and five were admitted to different hospitals in Sylhet division," said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The total number of cases rose to 59,907 while 212 deaths from dengue, the mosquito-borne disease, were reported this year. During the same period, 998 patients were discharged from different hospitals across the country. Last year, the total number of cases rose to 1,01,214, while 575 deaths from the dengue disease were reported, the statement added. 

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services has recommended that anyone who develops a fever immediately undergo an NS1 test for dengue to ensure timely detection.

The health directorate made the request in a public notice issued on Sunday. The DGHS emphasised that the delay in seeking hospital care contributed to the severity of dengue cases, leaving insufficient time for effective treatment. If dengue is confirmed, they should seek medical help without delay, it added.

The DGHS reassured the public that it remains highly vigilant about dengue treatment, with sufficient testing kits, saline solutions, and medications available at all hospitals.

It said, to reduce deaths, it is crucial to quickly identify dengue, provide treatment according to guidelines, and implement effective mosquito control measures. The health directorate also called for cooperation from all stakeholders.

In a press conference on Sept 22, the DGHS revealed that most of the 124 dengue-related deaths reviewed had been caused by patients arriving at hospitals too late.

According to Dr Md Halimur Rashid, director of the Infectious Disease Control Branch, the review showed that most deaths occurred three to six days after the onset of fever, with 66 of the 124 deaths occurring within 24 hours of admission.

As of Sunday, 49,907 people have been hospitalised across the country due to dengue, with 212 deaths reported.