Khulna Division Grapples with Rising Dengue Cases Healthcare System Strained

Khulna, Bangladesh – The Khulna division is currently experiencing a significant surge in dengue fever cases, placing considerable strain on local healthcare facilities and prompting public health officials to issue urgent warnings. Hospitals across the division, including Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) and various district hospitals, are reporting a steady increase in patients presenting with dengue symptoms.

According to data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Khulna division has recorded over 1,500 confirmed dengue cases in the past month, a substantial rise compared to the same period last year. Health officials attribute the increase to a combination of factors, including unusually heavy monsoon rains, stagnant water providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and a lack of sustained public awareness campaigns.

KMCH, the primary referral hospital for the region, is operating at near capacity, with dengue patients occupying a significant proportion of beds. Doctors and nurses are working extended hours to cope with the influx of patients, and the hospital is struggling to maintain adequate supplies of essential medications and intravenous fluids. District hospitals in Bagerhat, Satkhira, Narail, Magura, and Jashore are also reporting similar pressures.

“We are seeing a large number of patients, many of whom require hospitalization,” said Dr. Rafiqul Islam, a physician at KMCH’s dengue ward. “The severity of the cases varies, but we are particularly concerned about the increasing number of patients presenting with severe dengue, which can lead to life-threatening complications.”

Local authorities have initiated mosquito control measures, including fogging drives and larviciding campaigns targeting stagnant water sources. However, officials acknowledge that these efforts are being hampered by the widespread flooding and the difficulty of accessing all affected areas. The Khulna City Corporation is also conducting public awareness campaigns, urging residents to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around their homes and take preventive measures, such as using mosquito nets and wearing protective clothing.

The surge in dengue cases is not limited to urban areas. Rural communities are also experiencing a rise in infections, raising concerns about the accessibility of healthcare services for those living in remote areas. Health officials are working to strengthen surveillance systems and provide support to rural health centers to ensure that all patients have access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

The current situation has prompted calls for increased investment in public health infrastructure and a more coordinated approach to dengue prevention and control. Experts emphasize the importance of long-term strategies, including improved waste management, better urban planning, and sustained public education campaigns. They also highlight the need for greater collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, and local communities to effectively address the challenge of dengue fever in the Khulna division and across Bangladesh. The DGHS has dispatched additional medical teams and supplies to Khulna to bolster the local response and provide support to overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and bleeding.