United News of Bangladesh

A total of 294 new dengue cases were reported across the country in 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the number of confirmed cases to 11,954 since the beginning of this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Dengue claims 1 more life; 358 hospitalised in 24hrs The number of deaths remained at 45, with no new fatalities reported during this period. Barishal Division (out of city corporation) again reported the highest number of new infections, with 126 fresh cases. The latest data shows that Chattogram Division (out of city corporation) recorded 27 cases, Dhaka Division (out of city corporation) reported 23, while 31 cases were detected in Dhaka North City Corporation, 48 in Dhaka South City Corporation and 39 in Rajshahi division. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 11,954 dengue cases and 10,673 recoveries in current year.    

Twenty two more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 2,925 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: three in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), two in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC), one in Sylhet Division (Out of CC), seven in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), four in Dhaka North City Corporation and five in Dhaka South City Corporation.  Dengue: 49 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs The number of deaths remained at 21, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 219 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.      

Former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal's health condition has improved, but it will take at least three months for him to return to regular sporting activities, according to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Abu Jafar. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after visiting Tamim at KPJ Hospital in Savar, Professor Abu Jafar provided updates on the cricketer’s recovery process. "Tamim Iqbal needs at least three months to return to normal activities, meaning sports. However, he will be able to carry out normal household tasks and walk within a week. He must remain under rest. Although all tests have come back normal so far, not all conditions are always detected immediately,” he said. Cricket world prays for Tamim after heart attack Professor Abu Jafar went on to say, “His initial ECG did not show any changes and an echocardiogram (ECHO) performed this morning was also normal. However, unforeseen complications can arise at any moment. We have discussed these matters extensively with his family, and now the decision is theirs." A Close Call for the Cricket Star Providing details on Tamim's emergency hospitalisation, the DGHS Director General said, "Our national asset, Tamim Iqbal, felt unwell around 10:30 am yesterday. When he arrived here, doctors suspected a cardiac problem and administered initial treatment and tests. It was advised that he should not be moved immediately. However, given his stature as a national celebrity, he made the decision to be transferred to Dhaka as soon as possible, with arrangements for a helicopter already in place." "During this time, he suffered a heart attack, and his pulse was undetectable. The doctors promptly administered CPR and took measures to restart his heart," he added. Professor Abu Jafar expressed gratitude for the timely medical intervention. "Thanks to everyone's prayers and the dedicated efforts of his medical team, Tamim Iqbal is now stable. His condition is promising, but there is always some risk associated with a primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). The inserted stent is a foreign object, and there is a slight possibility of complications such as blockages or reactions. Although statistically rare, these risks exist." He further noted, "We have informed his family about these concerns. Thanks to the hard work of Dr Maruf and his team, along with divine blessings, we have been able to give Tamim a new lease on life. People naturally want the best possible medical care, but we have discussed with his family the safety of his immediate transfer. There is still a degree of risk involved." CA Dr Yunus enquires about Tamim Iqbal’s health condition   Cardiac Specialist's Opinion In response to queries, Professor Abdul Wadud, Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), said, "The risk factor is minimal—around one per cent. However, if complications arise, the risk becomes 100 per cent. It is advisable for Tamim to stay here for at least 48 to 72 hours before considering a transfer elsewhere." He elaborated, "What Tamim experienced is common in cases of acute heart attacks. Studies show that 10 to 20 per cent of patients suffering from acute heart attacks do not make it to the hospital. Cardiac arrest can occur at any time, as it did in Tamim’s case. Fortunately, medical professionals were with him, and they immediately initiated cardiac massage when his heart stopped pumping on its own. He was then swiftly taken to the hospital for further treatment."

Sanjida Akter, the first patient in Bangladesh diagnosed with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has passed away while undergoing treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the information on Thursday. According to DGHS officials, "This is the only HMPV case we have reported this year. The patient passed away on Wednesday evening. However, it does not seem that HMpv alone caused her death." They explained that an additional organism was found in her system, and she was already suffering from multiple complications. It cannot be conclusively said that HMPV was the sole reason for her death. There is no cause for panic regarding HMPV, they added. A briefing on the matter is scheduled for 1:15 pm today by Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant Professor at the Ministry of Health. Medical team deployed at Hili Checkpost to combat HMPV virus Earlier, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) revealed on Sunday (January 12) that the patient, a woman from Bhairab in Kishoreganj district, had contracted the virus. IEDCR Director, Professor Tahmina Shirin, said, "Every year, we observe two to four cases of HMpv infection." While the virus has gained attention recently, particularly after its widespread presence in northern China, experts have dismissed concerns about a potential pandemic. The Chinese Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures to avoid infection. HMPV virus: Passengers asked to wear masks at Dhaka airport Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commented, "Respiratory illnesses such as HMpv tend to surge during the winter months. However, the spread this year has been notably less compared to previous years." What is HMPV? Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that can cause mild cold-like symptoms in most individuals. However, in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, the virus can lead to severe respiratory illnesses. Bangladeshi health authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow standard health guidelines to minimise risks during the winter season.

A group of frontline workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing their protest outside the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), urging the authorities to extend their employment contracts beyond December. The demonstration, which began on November 17, shows no signs of abating as workers call for a clear resolution from authorities. Protesters allege that they are being discarded now that the crisis has subsided, despite their critical role in combating the pandemic. Jahangir Alam, a representative of the DGHS control room and one of the protesters, expressed frustration over the lack of support from authorities. "Our demands are not being accepted. The authorities are directing us to the Ministry, but they are not providing any clear path for us to get there. Without their assistance, we won’t be able to approach the Ministry. Our protest will continue until our demands are met," he said. Dr. Shahriar Mohammad Haque, a junior consultant in anesthesiology and ICU at Munshiganj Sadar Hospital, highlighted the workers’ plight. "Many of us served tirelessly in hospitals during the COVID-19 project. If we are all fired, what will we do? They extended our work period repeatedly during the crisis, but now, when the pandemic is over, they are discarding us," he said. The protesters are calling for recognition of their contributions and permanent positions within the health sector. Standing united, protesters held signs emblazoned with messages such as "Our demands must be met" while chanting slogans urging authorities to acknowledge their grievances.

At least 15 people died from heatstroke in 14 days till Sunday (May 05, 2024).The Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room (HEOC & CR) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the deaths. The DGHS reported the fatalities from the information it received at its control room till Sunday.Besides, one person died and three people suffered injuries due to heatstroke across the country in the past 24 hours till Monday morning. ‘Very severe heat wave’ grips 7 districts, says BMDThe DGHS started recording heatstroke related deaths from April 22.A mild to very severe heat wave swept through the country for about a month staring from first week of April. Later the temperature started to fall across the country after rains in the first week of the current month.The heat wave also forced the government to shut the primary and secondary schools, colleges and madrashas till May 2.Strategies for Cooling Your Roof During Intense Summer Heat

No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Sunday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, fourteen more patients were hospitalised with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS. 8 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs Of them, five were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 115 dengue patients, including 53 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. 3 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs So far, 1,224 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. 20 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3,18,749 recoveries last year. Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.

Bangladesh reported 47 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Friday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,047,4487, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 33 more cases in 24hrs The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,483 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate stood at 5.64 per cent as 833 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Bangladesh reports one more Covid-19 death, 34 cases in 24hrs The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.40 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively. COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 25 more cases in 24hrs

No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, 20 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS. Dengue: 14 more patients hospitalised in 24hrs     Of them, nine were admitted in Dhaka hospitals, while the rest were outside the capital. A total of 113 dengue patients, including 42 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country. 25 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs So far, 1055 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3,18,749 recoveries last year. 14 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.

Bangladesh reported 35 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Sunday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,046,998, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). 25 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,481 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate stood at 8.06 per cent as 434 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Temperature drops to season’s lowest 5 degree Celsius in Panchagarh’s Tetulia The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.41 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.