Khulna: As a severe cold spell is sweeping across Khulna and adjoining districts, hospitals across Khulna are reporting a sharp rise in cold-related illnesses and diarrhea, particularly among newborns and young children. Over the last three days, around 1,400 children have received treatment at the Khulna Divisional Children's Hospital, hospital sources said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, most of the affected children are suffering from fever, cough and cold, cold diarrhoea, abdominal ailments, and pneumonia. Due to an acute shortage of beds, many families are taking their children to other government hospitals and private clinics in the city.
Health professionals note that children are falling ill more frequently than adults, as their developing immune systems struggle to adjust to sudden drops in temperature. Common symptoms include fever, cough, cold, breathing difficulties, and allergic reactions. Hospital officials said that children from 10 districts of the Khulna division have been coming to the hospital during the ongoing cold wave.
In the last three days alone, 68 children were admitted with cold-related illnesses, while 127 others were admitted with various diseases. During a visit to the hospital on Tuesday, Nurunnahar from Bagerhat said her three-year-old son Haider was admitted with pneumonia. She shared the challenges faced due to the cold, stating that children often roam barefoot at home and do not keep blankets on them at night, leading to illnesses.
Sumi Begum, a mother from Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore, recounted her experience of her son being affected by cold and diarrhoea. Initially admitted to the upazila health complex, she had to bring him to Khulna Children's Hospital when his condition did not improve. Similarly, Rafeza Begum from Terokhada upazila was concerned about her three-month-old baby suffering from fever and cough.
At the hospital's outpatient department, dozens of mothers were seen waiting with their children, most of whom were suffering from cold-related illnesses. Hospital Administrative Officer Dalia Begum mentioned the overwhelming number of children receiving outpatient services and the challenges posed by limited bed capacity.
Residential Medical Officer of the Hospital Dr Md Mazharul Islam highlighted that the hospital's facilities are fully occupied and patients are coming from various districts. He advised families to seek treatment at other government hospitals or clinics if beds are unavailable.