The rate of dengue cases at the beginning of the season is slightly lower this year, compared to last year. But the death rate is double.
This statistic was found in the data analysis of the Health Emergency Operation Center of the Department of Health.
Entomologist and Professor of Zoology Department of Jahangirnagar University Kabirul Bashar said that both the current rainfall and temperature are suitable for Aedes breeding. It is expected that dengue outbreak will increase in the last part of July.
A total of 3315 people have, so far, been admitted to hospitals due to dengue this year.
Off them, 41 patients died. That means one in every 81 people died. But one in every 156 people died during the same period last year.
Data analysis also showed that out of 41 people who died of dengue this year, 29 people died in different hospitals of the capital Dhaka.
Among them, 25 people died in Dhaka South City. Four in Dhaka North City. Maximum eight people died in Barisal division.
Experts say that deaths are high in Dhaka due to two reasons.
Firstly, most of the dengue patients in Dhaka are getting infected for the second or third time. Secondly, in many cases critical patients are sent to Dhaka. According to experts, if the infection is not reduced, it will not be possible to prevent the death.
Additional Director General (Administration) of the Department of Health Professor Dr. Ahmedul Kabir said, "Of the four types of dengue, three types are active this year. This is one of the reasons why dengue deaths are high.
It is not that much of problem to be affected in first time. Initially, many patients do not understand that they are infected. But if the patient affected for the second, third or fourth time, they may go into a critical state.
Dr. Ahmadul Kabir said, most of the people in Dhaka infected by dengue fever for the first time. There are many who have already contracted dengue four times. However, not everyone has had four times. Second or more attack can worsen many people's condition. So,it can be said that the number of dengue patients in the hospitals may increase this time. Along with that, the risk of death is also high.
According to the Health Emergency Operation Center of the Department of Health, 51.2 percent of patients who died of dengue this year were women and 48.8 percent were men. Death rate of Zero to under 20 years is 22 percent. 24.35 percent of deaths between 21 to 40 years and 53.65 percent of deaths above 40 years. The death rate of men is one in 100 and for women is one in 63.
Government Pathology, Disease Control and Research Institute (IEDCR) advisor Dr. Mushtaq Hossain said, "The control system is very inadequate against the severity of dengue. Although basic health system is developed in rural areas, there is not enough manpower and equipment. Although there are medical colleges and hospitals in the urban areas, healthcare structures have not been developed at the primary or secondary level.
