Barishal now new dengue hotspot

Entire Barishal division is now facing an emergency situation amid dengue outbreak.

Barishal division also saw the second highest dengue death toll recorded this year after Dhaka, while ranking third after Dhaka and Chattogram in the number of dengue cases.

There are 1,155 patients currently admitted to hospitals across the division, including 461 in Barishal district, 262 in Patuakhali and 167 in Pirojpur.

In the last 24 hours, 294 dengue patients were hospitalised in this division.

In September, Barishal division recorded the highest number of dengue cases.

There are more than 900 patients admitted to the medicine department of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital against only 100 beds. After the dengue outbreak, the medicine ward was announced as a dedicated ward for dengue treatment, and currently has around 250 dengue patients.

Due to the bed crisis, patients are compelled to use spots even near restrooms.

Hospital director Dr Md Saiful Islam said they are utilising every available space to accommodate dengue patients.

Dr Shyamal Krishna Mondal, health director of Barishal division, said dengue is spreading rapidly due to stagnant water in villages and lack of awareness among people.

Pirojpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Hasnat Yusuf Zaki said most dengue patients in the district are from Nesarabad upazila, due to presence of nurseries and orchards, which led to a higher rate of infection among labourers.

Patuakhali Civil Surgeon Dr SM Kabir Hasan said hospitals are facing a shortage of beds amid an alarmingly high rate of dengue infection in the district.

Dr Rabiul Islam, conservation officer of Barishal City Corporation, said, "The mosquito eradication programme is facing challenges due to presence of canals, waterbodies, and numerous drains in the city. However, we are trying hard to check dengue spread."

Mahiuddin Ahmed, mayor of Patuakhali Municipality, and Bani Amin, executive officer of Pirojpur Municipality, stressed on awareness campaigns.

Additionally, intensive spraying is being conducted to keep drains clean, they said.

Meanwhile, 16 more people died from dengue in 24 hours preceding 8:00am yesterday. At least 2,564 dengue patients were hospitalised in the 24-hour period, according to DGHS.