Rising Dengue Cases in Khulna Division Highlight Critical Gaps in Healthcare
Dengue infections are surging rapidly in the Khulna Division, raising alarm among health professionals and local communities. The situation has exposed significant weaknesses in hospital preparedness and treatment capacity, as the number of patients continues to climb.
According to reports from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), at least 117 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across 10 districts in the division within a single week leading up to July 4. This sharp increase is particularly concerning given that last year, over 10,000 people in the region contracted dengue, with 35 deaths reported.
Health officials have expressed growing concern over an unusually early spike in cases this year. Many patients are presenting with atypical symptoms such as severe shivering, vomiting, and extreme fatigue, which differ from previous outbreaks. While dengue season typically begins in August and lasts until December, this year’s outbreak has already started in June and July, signaling a shift in patterns.
Tanzila Akter, currently receiving treatment at Khulna Medical College Hospital, shared her experience: “After the fever started, my body began to shake and I started vomiting. The doctors diagnosed it as dengue. I’ve never felt anything like this before.” Her account highlights the severity of the current wave of infections.
Another case involved Solaiman Mia, a patient from Sharankhola in Bagerhat. His sister explained, “My brother works in the fields. He might have been bitten by a mosquito there. We first took him to the upazila hospital, but when the fever didn’t subside and tests confirmed dengue, we had to bring him to Khulna.”
To address the growing crisis, 116 medical teams have been deployed to provide treatment to dengue patients in the region. However, concerns remain about the lack of dedicated facilities for dengue patients. Rafiqul Islam, a caregiver, pointed out, “There are no separate arrangements for dengue patients in the hospital. Without isolation, there’s a risk to others too.”
Doctors have noted that many of this year’s patients are experiencing symptoms that are different from past outbreaks. In addition to fever, they are reporting intense shivering, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. These changes suggest a possible evolution in the virus, prompting calls for more targeted interventions.
In the neighboring coastal district of Barguna, dengue cases have reached alarming levels. Health experts have linked the outbreak to stored rainwater, which is commonly used due to the scarcity of clean water in the salinity-affected area. Similar practices of water storage in drums, tanks, and pots are widespread in parts of coastal districts including Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, creating ideal conditions for Aedes mosquito breeding.
Advocate Babul Hawlader, Member Secretary of the Khulna Citizens’ Committee, criticized the local authorities for their inadequate response. “Despite the looming threat, the city corporation’s anti-mosquito drive appears to be weaker than last year. Hospital preparedness is also lacking,” he said.
Dr Kazi Didarul Islam, Professor at the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline of Khulna University, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. “This year, we’re seeing an early spike in dengue cases, and new symptoms suggest a different strain—possibly dengue serotype 1. Standard larvicide spraying alone will not be effective. A comprehensive and coordinated response is essential, and the time to act is now.”
In response to the crisis, Dr Md Mojibur Rahman, Director of DGHS in Khulna Division, stated that directives have been issued to all districts to intensify mosquito control measures and ensure hospitals are ready to handle a potential surge in patients. However, with the situation evolving rapidly, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
As the dengue outbreak continues to spread, the need for urgent action and improved public health strategies becomes increasingly clear. The combination of early onset, atypical symptoms, and weak preventive measures poses a serious challenge to healthcare systems and communities alike.
