The number of dengue patients is steadily increasing in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola district, with people of all ages, from children to the elderly, falling victim to the mosquito-borne disease. Patients with fever and dengue-like symptoms are visiting the upazila health complex every day. Although dengue cases have been reported in the area over the past one and a half months, 24 patients were admitted to the health complex for treatment in the first 10 days of October alone. In September, 43 patients were admitted. Currently, three dengue patients are receiving treatment at the facility.

Meanwhile, many more people with dengue-like symptoms are seeking treatment at the outpatient department of the health complex.

Dr. Md. Yusuf Hossain, a Unani medical officer on duty at the outpatient department, said many patients with dengue symptoms visit the facility every day. However, some are reluctant to undergo diagnostic tests due to a lack of awareness. Among those who undergo testing, at least five out of every 10 are found to have dengue, he said.

Patients whose physical condition is stable receive the necessary treatment at the outpatient department, while those in more serious condition are advised to be admitted to the health complex, he added.

Meanwhile, Mosammat Surma Begum, 30, a dengue patient from Kartarhat in Ward No. 1 of Ramaganj Union, is undergoing treatment at the health complex.

Surma Begum said she initially developed a sudden fever and took medication from a local pharmacy. When the fever persisted for about a week and she became extremely weak, she visited a specialist doctor in the upazila headquarters. Medical tests subsequently confirmed that she had dengue. She has been receiving treatment at the health complex for the past three days.

She said doctors and nurses regularly check on her. However, most of the medicines she needs are unavailable at the facility, forcing her to purchase many of them from outside.

Apart from dengue, the 50-bed Lalmohan Upazila Health Complex is also treating a growing number of patients suffering from measles, pneumonia and diarrhoea.

In the first 10 days of October, 19 patients were admitted with measles. In September, 44 patients received treatment for the disease at the health complex. During the same month, 121 patients were treated for pneumonia and 181 for diarrhoea.

Dr. Abu Mahmud Talha Sadi, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO) of Lalmohan, said that despite a shortage of doctors and nurses, the staff currently working at the facility were collectively providing care to patients with dedication.

He acknowledged that the health complex could not always maintain adequate stocks of all types of medicines. However, medicines available in stock were being provided to patients free of charge. He added that the authorities would verify any reported shortages and take the necessary measures.

He also stressed that public awareness was crucial to preventing dengue. Water accumulated on rooftops, in flowerpots, discarded containers, drums, tyres and other places should be cleaned regularly, he advised.

To protect themselves from mosquito bites during both the day and night, people should use mosquito nets and repellents and wear clothing that covers their bodies.

He urged people not to ignore a fever and to seek advice from a qualified doctor. Anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, extreme weakness or breathing difficulties should visit the health complex as soon as possible.