Dhaka: A total of 494 dengue patients died and 92,351 have been diagnosed with the disease till December 1 across the country this year. Director General (DG) of the health directorate Prof Dr Abu Zafar today disclosed this at a press briefing at the conference room of the directorate. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Dr Abu Zafar highlighted that the critical condition of dengue patients often results from delayed hospital visits, leaving physicians overwhelmed and unable to effectively manage the cases. He emphasized that the public's tendency to underestimate the severity of dengue is contributing to the rising death toll. The death rate from dengue is notably highest in Dhaka over the last two to four decades, while children and the elderly in Chattogram have faced higher casualty rates, Dr Abu Zafar noted. In addition to dengue, the country is witnessing concerns over the Zika virus and Chikungunya diseases, though Dr Abu Zafar reassured that there is no significant cause for alarm regard ing these viruses. He advised maintaining vigilance concerning the spread of the Zika virus, despite its minimal mortality rate. Dr Halimur Rashid, Line Director of the Infectious Diseases Control Programme, stated that while dengue traditionally spreads in urban centers, there is an increasing presence in remote areas. In 2023, the nationwide dengue death toll reached 1,705, with 1,163 occurring in Dhaka. So far, the capital has reported 339 dengue-related deaths. Compared to last year, Chattogram's death toll decreased from 124 to 50, while Khulna saw a reduction from 206 to 27. Barisal reported 56 deaths this year, down from 125, and Mymensingh's fatalities decreased from 60 to 13. Rajshahi recorded seven deaths, a decrease from 16, Rangpur saw a decrease from 10 to two, and Sylhet reported no deaths this year compared to one last year.
