Health & Treatments

Tasmia Takwa

 

_Is the relentless surge of dengue cases turning Bangladesh into a battleground for public health? In a concerning turn of events, Bangladesh is currently dealing with a serious dengue outbreak in 2023. This outbreak has crashed hard, being the most severe dengue fever outbreak ever recorded in Bangladesh, leading to the loss of over 300 lives till now. The impact of this outbreak has strained the healthcare system, which was already facing challenges.

 

This year, over 300 people in Bangladesh have lost their lives because of the dengue outbreak. This is much worse than last year dengue cases.

 

In a startling escalation, the mosquito-borne menace of dengue fever has cast a formidable shadow over Bangladesh in 2023. With the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) releasing their most recent report on the 10th of August, the numbers paint a concerning picture of the outbreak's trajectory.

 

Month	Number of Cases	Number of Deaths
January	566	6
February	166	3
March	111	0
April	143	2
May	1036	2
June	5956	34
July	43854	204
August	26916	113

In January 2023, Bangladesh experienced a notable rise in dengue cases. As per the report from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room, there were 566 reported cases with 6 fatalities.

 

February continued to pose a dengue threat in Bangladesh. The Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room's report indicated 166 reported cases and 3 fatalities.

 

In March, The report from DGHS stated about 111 people getting sick with dengue, but thankfully, no one passed away.

 

In April, According to the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room's report, there were 143 reported cases of dengue, and sadly, 2 people lost their lives.

 

May brought a significant increase in dengue cases back to Bangladesh. The report from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room indicated a concerning 1036 reported cases of dengue. Although the number of deaths remained at 2, the sharp rise in cases is a clear cause for worry.

 

June marked a serious turning point in the dengue situation in Bangladesh. The report from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room revealed a disturbing gush, with a shocking 5956 reported cases of dengue. Unfortunately, 34 lives were lost due to the virus. This severe increase in both cases and deaths paints a grave picture of the ongoing outbreak. As the rainy season continued, the conditions became favourable for mosquitoes to breed and spread dengue. The numbers for June underscore the pressing need for robust mosquito control measures and heightened public awareness to prevent further devastation.

 

In July, the dengue problem got really serious and scary. The Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room's report revealed a shocking 43854 reported cases of dengue, accompanied by a heart-breaking toll of 204 lives lost. This massive surge in cases and fatalities casts a somber shadow over the nation, indicating the magnitude of the crisis. The monsoon season provided fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes, intensifying the spread of the virus.

Up until August 10, 2023, Bangladesh is still dealing with a serious dengue problem. The most recent update from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room discloses a total of 26196 dengue cases, with a saddening count of 113 people who have lost their lives. The challenge lingers despite the efforts. The rainy season has given mosquitoes more chances to spread dengue. It's crucial for us to stick together, stopping mosquito growth, teaching everyone how to stay safe, and giving quick medical help.

 

Till the current date of 2023, total 364 individuals have lost their lives due to dengue in Bangladesh. And the total dengue cases are 78028 till now. 63.0% of those affected are male, while females constitute 37.0% of the reported cases. This statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the dengue outbreak and highlights the critical need for continued efforts in mosquito control, public awareness, and timely medical intervention to prevent further loss of life. The toll underscores the importance of a united and determined approach to effectively combat and mitigate the impact of this persistent health threat.

 

Effective Strategies for Dengue Prevention

 

1. Daytime Protection:

_Dengue mosquitoes are active during the day. Use measures to avoid mosquito bites, especially in the morning and afternoon.

 

2. Wear Protective Clothing:

_Wear long sleeved clothing, thick pants, and socks to prevent mosquito bites.

 

3. Use Mosquito Nets:

_If you're resting during the day, use mosquito nets, preferably ones treated with repellent.

 

4. Close the Windows:

_Close the windows in morning and evening time to be protected from mosquitos.

 

5. Apply Mosquito Repellents:

_Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.

 

6. Eliminate Breeding Sites:

_Prevent mosquito breeding by emptying and cleaning flower pots and any other surface which is containing water.

 

7. Keep Surroundings Clean:

_Dispose of trash and unused items that can collect water and become mosquito breeding sites.

 

8. Personal Protection Indoors:

_Use bed nets and screens in living and sleeping areas to keep mosquitoes away.

 

9. Medical Care:

_If you suspect dengue or experience symptoms immediately seek medical care.

 

10. Avoid NSAIDs:

_If diagnosed with dengue, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, as they can worsen bleeding complications.

 

11. Rest and Hydration:

_If infected, rest and drink plenty of fluids to aid recovery.

 

12. Dengue Vaccine:

_While limited, a vaccine named Dengvaxia is offered in some countries. It's most effective for those who have had dengue before.

By adapting these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting dengue and contribute to preventing its spread in your community.

 

In the battle against dengue, staying informed and taking steps matters a lot. When we all work together and follow these crucial steps, we build a strong defense against dengue. This doesn't just keep us safe, but it also helps everyone in our community stay well.

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