Dhaka: Medicine and public health experts here today advised people against taking any kind of antibiotics in fever. If you suffer from fever, you should only take paracetamol. Fever accompanied by headache, body ache, joint pain, and skin rashes are symptoms of dengue, they said, adding in such symptoms one must refrain from taking aspirin-based medications.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the experts emphasized the importance of public awareness and caution in controlling dengue, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Preventing mosquito breeding, protecting against bites, and seeking prompt medical advice are critical strategies. The Directorate General of Health Services has marked 59 wards in Dhaka's city corporations as high-risk dengue zones. In response, the government has implemented measures to combat the disease.
So far this year, 39 people have died from dengue across the country, with 12,020 reported infections. Out of these, 10,991 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Dr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, an Associate Professor at Dhaka Medical College, advises following medical treatment based on a doctor's guidance and warns against taking medicine without a prescription. He also emphasizes the importance of hydration and protective clothing for children.
Public health expert Dr. Lelin Chowdhury noted the concurrent rise of dengue, coronavirus, and diarrhea, which has confused the public. He stressed the importance of awareness, testing, and consulting a doctor if symptoms appear. Dr. Mushtaq Hossain from the IEDCR criticized the reliance on temporary solutions and insecticides, calling for a primary government initiative to control dengue.
Professor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman highlighted the unique habits of the Aedes mosquito, which thrives in urban areas with clean, stagnant water. He advised increased vigilance during the mosquito's peak activity periods after sunrise and before sunset. Dr. Kazi Ahmed Zaki from IEDCR pointed out the rising complications due to the DENV-3 serotype, urging the destruction of breeding grounds and prompt testing and treatment for fever.