Most dengue affected children hail from DNCC

Seven-year-old Asad has been fighting with dengue at hospital. Asad, son of Mahbubur Rahman, hails from Dakkhipara area of Mohakhali in the capital. As he had been suffering from severe fever for two days, doctor suggested conducting his pathological test. He was diagnosed with dengue fever and admitted to Dhaka Children Hospital.

“He was suffering from fever on 13th and 14th. As there was no sign of improvement we conducted his sample test and found dengue infection. Now our days are passing in the hospital,” Mahbubur Rahman said wWhile talking to The Report.

Asked on mosquito nuisance in his area Mahbubur Rahman claimed to have sprinkled no spray to check mosquito breeding. Only smoke is created which do not kill mosquito rather the virus bearers come above.

Many children like Asad have been hospitalised. If situation worsens, they are being shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Some return, some don’t. 

Suman Rahman, an witness, describes such an incident.

“Ismail, son of Mohakhali’s Dipu Mia was admitted beside my daughter Rehana’s bed. After two days, he was shifted to the ICU. On August 19, she passed away,” Suman said. 

According to the National Children Hospital data, some 123 children were admitted to the hospital from January to July this year while a total of 267 patients were hospitalised in August so far. Of them, 4 died.

Among 365 cases 36 were below one year, 105 from 1-5, 138 from 5-10 and 87 were 10 and above.

Experts say, monsoon is the reason that triggered Aedes mosquito breeding.

“Rain is the main reason for mosquito reproduction. If it was heavy rain, breeding would not increase so largely,” pandemic expert Kinkor Ghosh told The Report.

Children hospital authorities said, most of the admitted patients hail from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Almost 61 percent of the total patients came from different parts of DNCC.

“Number of patients is rising every day. Highest number of patients were hospitalised this month. If it continues, providing medical facilities would be tougher,” deputy director of the hospital Doctor Probeer Kumar Sarkar said.  

DNCC mayo Atiqul Islam said, special drive has been launched at most vulnerable areas as per the survey of the health ministry.