Bangladesh witnessed the deadliest year of dengue outbreak in 2023 with over three lakh dengue cases and 1700 deaths.
Dengue cases have already started rising with the advent of monsoon this year despite the claim by the authorities concerned that they took necessary preparations to curb spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
Families affected by dengue last year are wary about the preparedness.
Shirajam Monira, a resident of Kalyanpur in the capital, said, "My close relative's child died of dengue last year. Last year, dengue situation turned so severe that several members of a family got infected at a time. This would not have happened if necessary measures had been taken. There are fears this year as well. So, if timely measures are taken, the risk of dengue will be reduced.”
Munni Akhter's daughter Mantasha is 10 years old. Last year, she was severely affected by dengue.
Platelets came down to 10,000 and her liver was affected. Although she somehow survived, the doctors said to be careful for the rest of his life. If she gets dengue for a second time, she may not be saved.
“We got afraid when she caught a fever. Because, last year I saw the horror of dengue,” said Munni.
This raises question as to how well preared the authorities are to tackle another possible outbreak.
Dengue cases, fatalities in last five years:
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the number of dengue patients was 10,148 in 2018 with fatalities reported at 26.
In 2019, dengue cases increased to 1,01,354 with 179 deaths. In 2020 1,405 cases and 7 deaths were recorded. There were 28,429 cases and 105 deaths in 2021 while the cases climbed to 62,382 in 2022 with deaths 281.
Dengue: 32 patients hospitalised in 24hrs
In 2023, considered as the deadliest year, the number of cases soared to 321,179 with 1,705 people deaths.
Until July 7 this year, DGHS recorded 3978 cases and 46 deaths, raising concern about another possible outbreak.
DGHS’s preparations to cope with Dengue:
According to the DGHS, it has taken an action plan for 2024 based on the National Dengue Prevention & Control Strategy (2024-2030).
Instructions for prevention and control of dengue have been shared with all government hospitals before the start of the season and the hospitals are well prepared, it said.
It said it has strengthened surveillance by introducing Dengue Tracker for real time data collection (with actual address and avoid duplication).
Focal points for secondary and tertiary hospitals were identified and WhatsApp group was opened for quick communication and actions.
Trained doctors and paramedics are in place for proper patient management in the hospitals, it said.
Dengue test kits are available in all government hospital (12 lakh kits distributed).
Health and Family Welfare Minister Samanta Lal Sen has given necessary instructions to all government hospitals for procurement of adequate fluid.
Awareness and community engagement campaign was launched (formation of RCCE platform messages from the health minister, the state minister and the health secretary).