Measles and Dengue Patients in Barishal Government Hospitals Near 45,000; Death Toll Reaches 132

The number of patients admitted to government hospitals across the Barishal region with measles symptoms and dengue has approached 45,000. The death toll from these two deadly diseases at government hospitals has reached 132. Nearly 10,000 patients were admitted with the diseases or related symptoms in October alone, while 14 people died during the month.

The number of children affected by measles is also increasing across the Barishal region, with the situation becoming increasingly difficult to control. However, specialist doctors believe that the number of admissions to government hospitals does not reflect the actual scale of infections. According to them, the number of people affected by both diseases is several times higher.

So far, nearly 26,000 children with measles symptoms have been admitted to government hospitals across the region, including Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and Barishal General Hospital. Of them, around 743 cases have been confirmed as measles. Among the 73 deaths involving patients with measles symptoms, only three have been confirmed as measles-related deaths.

There are still no visible signs of a decline in measles cases across the Barishal region. In October alone, around 3,500 children with measles symptoms were admitted to government hospitals, and three of them died. In September, nearly 5,000 children with measles symptoms were admitted to government hospitals in the region, with 16 deaths reported.

Although these figures suggest a decline in measles-related admissions and deaths last month, some doctors say the actual situation may be different. According to them, many people are avoiding government hospitals unless their condition becomes critical because there is no space available for patients, even on the floors of hospitals such as Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, dengue admissions to government hospitals increased by more than 1,000 in October compared to the previous month, reaching 6,185. Another 11 patients died during the month. In September, 5,077 dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals across the region, while nine deaths were reported.

Dengue and measles have become major sources of concern across the Barishal region. Although Barishal City Corporation and 24 municipalities have undertaken cleaning drives and some public awareness activities, dengue continues to spread.

While some areas, including parts of central Barishal city, appear to be maintaining proper cleanliness, many other areas still have overgrown bushes and unclean drains that provide breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Although dengue infections are relatively lower in Barishal city than in other parts of the southern region, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital remains overcrowded with dengue patients.

Of the 29 dengue-related deaths reported at government hospitals across the region so far, 25 occurred at this hospital. The hospital has also admitted nearly 8,000 of the approximately 26,000 patients treated for measles symptoms across the region. Among them, 58 children have died.

However, the three measles-related deaths officially confirmed by the health department were all reported at Barguna Hospital. The health department has repeatedly advised local government institutions to strengthen cleanliness activities in cities and towns. However, statistics show that dengue infections are now significantly higher in rural areas than in urban centres.