Dengue is once again becoming a worrying situation in the country. This mosquito-borne virus has spread from cities to villages. This causes direct and indirect damage to the health of dengue victims, resulting in an economic loss of about 4 to 5 thousand crore taka in Bangladesh every year. Of this, about 65 percent of the treatment costs have to be borne out of the patients’ pockets.
This information was presented at a scientific seminar organized by the National Doctors’ Forum (NDF) at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Monday (July 20).
The chief guest at the seminar on ‘Dengue Fever Awareness Scientific’ was Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid, Member of Parliament for Jessore-2 constituency. NDF President Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam presided over the event and the organization’s General Secretary Professor Dr. Mahmud Hossain moderated the event. Marzia Begum, Member of Parliament for the reserved women’s seat, was present as a special guest.
Dhaka Medical College Hospital Associate Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir-ul Alam (Sohel) presented a scientific paper as the keynote speaker at the event. BCS Health Forum President Professor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, eminent medicine expert Professor Dr. Mahbub Islam Majumder and public health expert Dr. Abdullah Saeed Khan were present as panelists.
Speakers at the seminar said that dengue control requires not only seasonal activities, but also year-round integrated planning and the use of modern technology.
The seminar reported that Bangladesh experienced its largest dengue outbreak in 2023, with more than 300,000 people hospitalized and nearly 1,700 deaths. Last year, nearly 100,000 people were infected and 147 died.
Citing the examples of dengue control in Singapore, Australia and Brazil, experts said that Singapore has succeeded in controlling mosquitoes in 70 percent of its areas through public education, strict fines and the release of mosquitoes infected with a type of bacteria called ‘Wolbachia’. Government-level research has been urged to import this technology into Bangladesh as well.
They said that the PCR machines created during the Corona period are now lying idle. Using them, it is possible to determine which strain (type) of dengue is active, which is very important for proper treatment.
At the same time, regarding the vaccine, it was informed that there are complications in the widespread use of dengue vaccines in Bangladesh until proper protection is ensured due to the four types of strains.
Keynote speaker Dr. Md. Jahangir-ul Alam said that taking unnecessary medicines or delaying treatment can be risky for the patient. He emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice quickly and drinking enough fluids if a fever occurs.
In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Mosleh Uddin Farid MP said that dengue causes an economic loss of about 4 to 5 thousand crore taka in Bangladesh every year. About 65 percent of the treatment costs have to be borne by the patients out of their own pockets, which is creating a huge mental and financial pressure on the common people.
He said that the efforts of doctors alone are not enough to combat dengue in the country; for this, the government, local administration, public representatives, media and people from all walks of life must work together. Every family must keep their homes and surroundings clean and play an active role in destroying the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes.
When asked what kind of steps Jamaat is taking as an opposition party to prevent dengue, the MP said, “The government has allocated almost double the allocation to the health sector than before. This is a positive aspect. At the same time, we need to see how well it can manage it. Dengue has been discussed several times in parliament. From the opposition side, we are urging the government to ensure prevention and medical services. But the health committee has not been formed in parliament yet. If that happens, we will also have a place there. Then the issues can be discussed with more importance.”
Speaking as a special guest, another MP, Marzia Begum, said that dengue is a preventable disease. Most patients recover if they receive timely treatment and follow the doctor’s advice.
At that time, he highlighted five proposals emphasizing the use of modern technology in dengue control. They are: adopting a year-round plan instead of June-September, ensuring accountability of local government institutions, ensuring adequate beds and testing facilities in government and private hospitals, identifying mosquito breeding sites and risk areas through AI, GIS and drones, and making forecasting arrangements using Wolbachia technology and satellite data.
At the seminar, pediatrician Professor Dr. Mustafizur Rahman said that dengue symptoms in children may be different from those in adults. Especially in children under one year of age, they may not have a high fever but may have a mild fever, cold and cough, or stomach ache.
He cautioned, “It is wrong to consider a decrease in platelets as the only danger sign. An increase in hematocrit or PCV in the blood and persistent vomiting or abdominal pain are major warning signs.”
Seminar President Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam said, “Dengue is no longer a seasonal problem; it has become a major public health challenge. In addition to hospitals, awareness must be raised at the community level, a clean environment must be ensured, and preventive activities must be strengthened.” He also urged doctors to always stand by the people and provide services.
