Dengue: Patients of classical variant more in number this year
As dengue cases rise with the rainy season, the disease has become more prevalent between May and September. While May-June saw fewer cases due to a lack of rain, September has brought a resurgence due to continuous rainfall. This year, the majority of cases are of classical dengue, which is easier to treat.
The DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, has specialised facilities for dengue patients and has been functioning as a dengue treatment center since last year. Currently, patients of all ages are receiving free care here.
During a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, September 24, dengue patients were observed on the second and third floors, with additional cases in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Children’s wards were equipped with mosquito nets, and medical staff were actively attending to patients. Many patients expressed satisfaction with the treatment they received, and hospital wards are under continuous surveillance to ensure smooth operations.
The hospital is not yet experiencing excessive pressure from dengue cases. Most of the patients under treatment were transferred from Kurmitola General Hospital and other private facilities. Although the hospital offers good treatment for dengue, officials believe that many patients are unaware and do not come directly for treatment.
One patient, 22-month-old Asia, was admitted with a nosebleed and high fever. Her mother, Parveen, recounted how they travelled from Pabna to Dhaka Children's Hospital, only for Asia to be diagnosed with dengue after developing a sudden fever. Asia has been receiving treatment at DNCC Hospital since September 20, though her condition has fluctuated, with blood appearing in her nose and cough on Tuesday, worrying her mother.
Another patient, six-year-old Abir Howladar, has been suffering from dengue for a week. His mother, Ayesha Akhter, shared that the whole family has been staying in the hospital since September 19 due to Abir's condition. After initially showing symptoms like high fever and vomiting, Abir is now in a much-improved state.
While dengue infections and deaths are lower this year compared to last, cases have been steadily rising. On Sunday, September 22, a record 926 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals nationwide, with six fatalities, the highest single-day toll this year. As of September 24, DNCC Dengue Hospital reported 33 new admissions and 41 discharges, with a total of 122 patients, including 20 in the ICU.
Hospital nurse Swapna highlighted the common symptoms in patients this year: decreased platelets, bleeding, vomiting, skin rashes, dizziness, weakness, and dehydration.
Dr Tushar Kanti Burman of DNCC Dengue Hospital explained that the number of daily dengue admissions has increased from 10-15 at the start of the month to 35-40 more recently. However, most cases are classical dengue, which involves symptoms like fever, body aches, and headaches, making it easier to treat compared to more severe forms like Dengue Shock Syndrome, which was more common last year. As a result, recovery rates have improved, and mortality is lower this year.
