Young people are most vulnerable to dengue infection: DGHS

According to information provided by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), young people are the most vulnerable to dengue infection. A survey this year has revealed that those aged between 16-30 are most affected by dengue fever.

According to the data, the highest 15,110 dengue patients are aged 21 to 25, while 14,063 are aged 26 to 30, and 13,135 are aged 16 to 20.

According to the Department of Health, 575 people lost their lives to the mosquito-borne dengue across the country in 2024. In addition, 101,214 people were infected with this fever. A total of 100,040 people have recovered. So far, the highest number of dengue deaths in the country was 1,705 in 2023 and there were 321,179 patients.

Analysis of monthly data for 2024 showed that the highest number of dengue cases, 30,879 were identified in October. In addition, 1,055 in January, 339 in February, 311 in March, 504 in April, 644 in May, 798 in June, 2,669 in July, 6,521 in August, 18,097 in September, 29,652 in November and 9,745 in December were identified.

Meanwhile, a total of 21 people have died of dengue this year. A total of 2,972 people have been admitted to the hospital while 2,708 have been discharged. Of the infected, 60.4 percent are men and 39.6 percent are women.

Eminent physician and pediatrician Professor Dr. Prabir Kumar Sarkar said that there are three stages of dengue fever - the febrile stage, the critical stage and the recovery stage.

In the first stage or febrile phase, patients are normal. They only have fever. Most dengue patients belong to this category.

In complex or critical category dengue patients, everything seems to be normal, but some symptoms appear in the body. For example, s/he may have stomach pain, s/he may vomit a lot or s/he is not able to eat anything. Many times, after two days of fever, the body becomes cold. In this case, it is better to be admitted to the hospital. In some cases, intensive care unit or ICU may be required.

Regarding the critical phase, he said that usually the temperature decreases within 3-7 days. This period is especially important. Because during this time, attention should be paid to the rapid decrease in platelet count and increase in hematocrit levels. However, it is seen that the platelet count starts decreasing only after the fever subsides. During this time, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids and take special care to eliminate dehydration in the body. Necessary precautions must be taken from the beginning to ensure that complications do not develop in a child with dengue.

He said: "There are four different serotypes of dengue, which means that a person can be infected four times in his life. Once infected, immunity is developed against that serotype. If infected a second time, then a different serotype is infected."

The last stage of dengue is the recovery phase. During this period, patients gradually recover, although they may feel tired and may have other symptoms for a week.

Recently, international research has come up with new information on dengue prevention. The study has shown that Wolbachia mosquitoes can play an effective role in preventing the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr. Tahmid, Executive Director of ICDDRB, said, "We are ready to support the Bangladesh government in further trials and evaluations to successfully implement this feasible method of using good mosquitoes containing Wolbachia."

Dr. Tahmid also said that only after successful field trials should it be considered for widespread release into the environment.

He said: "We have made significant progress in dengue vaccine research to prevent dengue. We are hopeful of working with the government to accelerate vaccination through local trials, which will provide an integrated solution to the country's dengue problem."

However, entomologist Dr. Manjur Chowdhury says that only jail and fines and raising public awareness will not work in mosquito control. Appropriate measures must be taken by conducting proper surveys and employing skilled manpower as dengue is no longer seasonal, it occurs throughout the year.

He also said that in addition to using mosquito repellents to prevent dengue, the City Corporation must also run campaigns everywhere.