The health directorate has updated its tally of dengue fever-related deaths so far this year to 98 from even though media reports put the fatality count at more than 170 deaths.
In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 15), the Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has updated the official death toll over dengue to 98 from 93 on Monday (Oct 14).
A total of 301 dengue patients have been admitted to different hospitals across Bangladesh in the 24 hours till 8am on Tuesday.
A total of 92 new patients were admitted in Dhaka and 209 in districts outside Dhaka during the same time.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads among humans through its carrier, the Aedes mosquito.
As many as 457 patients have currently been receiving treatment in 41 government and private hospitals in Dhaka, whereas 737 people were undergoing treatment outside Dhaka, the DGHS data said.
Between Jan 1 and Oct 15, as many as 92,467 people have been affected by dengue.
Among those admitted, a total of 91,027 have been released from their respective hospitals and clinics after treatment.
Dengue causes flu-like symptoms, including piercing headaches, muscle and joint pains, fever and full body rashes. But this year it shows “atypical” symptoms affecting brain, heart, and liver.
Any fever is now suspected to be dengue and people are advised to see doctors.
Doctors suggest taking rest and plenty of fluids such as oral saline, coconut water, juices in fever. Medicines other than paracaetamol are restricted without the doctor's advice.
Searching for and destroying mosquito breeding places, use of mosquito net as well as repellents, and seeking early consultation when the first signs and symptoms of the disease appear are the most effective ways to prevent and cure dengue.
An analysis of the data reveals that men and women in 15 years to 25 years age group are the worst hit, followed by people aged between 25 and 35, and 5 years and 15 years. It means people with active age group are the most affected, causing economic impacts due to hospitalisation.