1,965 hospitalized in eight months; bed crunch forces patients onto floors as Aedes larvae found in betel nut and coconut tree bases
Zakir Farazi ||
The dengue situation in Pirojpur is showing little sign of easing, with the number of patients continuing to rise. As of September 7, a total of 1,965 dengue patients have been admitted to government hospitals across the district—the highest figure among all districts in the Barishal division.
The growing patient load has put severe pressure on Pirojpur District Hospital, where a shortage of beds and space has forced authorities to accommodate some dengue patients on floors and in areas adjacent to general wards.
At the same time, a field investigation by the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has identified multiple potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes across the district. These include water accumulated around cut betel nut and coconut tree bases, discarded coconut shells, rooftops, construction sites, local drains, and nursery pots.
According to the latest data from district health authorities, 25 new dengue patients were admitted to government hospitals in the 24 hours leading up to September 7. Currently, 85 patients are undergoing treatment at the district hospital and various upazila health complexes.
So far, 1,879 patients have recovered and been discharged, while one person has died of dengue in the district this year.
District hospital accounts for 854 cases
Pirojpur District Hospital has recorded the highest number of dengue admissions in the district, with 854 patients treated so far this year. The figures for the upazila health complexes stand at 363 in Bhandaria, 319 in Nesarabad, 134 in Nazirpur, 125 in Kawkhali, and 84 in Mathbaria.
Of the 85 patients currently receiving treatment, 35 are at Pirojpur District Hospital, 15 in Bhandaria, 13 in Nazirpur, 12 in Nesarabad, five in Kawkhali, and five in Mathbaria. No dengue patients are currently admitted to the Zianagar Upazila Health Complex.
Patients treated on floors amid bed shortage
The surge in dengue cases has created severe pressure on the district hospital. With beds in short supply, patients are being accommodated in various parts of the facility, with some receiving treatment on the floor near general patients.
Marufa Akter, a dengue patient undergoing treatment at the hospital, said she had been seriously ill for four days.
“I am suffering from severe weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Despite receiving medication, I still do not feel well. With so many patients here, it has become difficult to find adequate space and receive proper care,” she said.
A visit to the hospital revealed that many dengue patients were not using mosquito nets consistently. A duty nurse mentioned that while patients are repeatedly advised to use nets, some remove them due to a lack of awareness.
‘No shortage of medicines or test kits’
Hospital authorities, however, maintained that there is no shortage of medicines or essential supplies for dengue treatment.
Dr. Md. Nizam Uddin, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Pirojpur District Hospital, said the facility usually accommodates 30 to 40 dengue patients at any given time and currently has 35.
“We have adequate NS1 test kits, medicines, and other necessary supplies. There is no shortage of treatment facilities. Doctors, nurses, and health workers are providing uninterrupted service around the clock,” he said.
Aedes breeding grounds found in common household spaces
An IEDCR team recently conducted a field investigation to identify the factors behind the persistent spread of dengue in Pirojpur.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Motiur Rahman said the investigation found a significant number of Aedes larvae in water accumulated around the bases of cut betel nut and coconut trees. He added that discarded coconut shells, rooftops, under-construction buildings, local drains, and water-filled pots at nurseries were also major breeding sites.
According to the civil surgeon, government hospitals and upazila health complexes have adequate supplies of medicines and IV fluids, while dengue antigen testing is being provided free of charge.
Preventive measures continue, but questions remain
Pirojpur Municipality and the District Council said they have stepped up preventive measures to control mosquito breeding.
Md. Mehedi Hasan, Assistant Sub-Assistant Engineer of Pirojpur Municipality, said mosquito-control teams regularly spray drains and other high-risk areas across the town while conducting public awareness campaigns.
District Council Administrator Principal Alomgir Hossain noted that cleaning operations were being conducted in ponds, waterlogged areas, and drains, alongside dengue awareness programs at educational institutions. Despite these measures, concerns remain over the continued rise in dengue infections.
Health officials stressed that spraying insecticides alone will not be enough. The primary focus must be on identifying and destroying Aedes breeding sites, particularly around homes, rooftops, construction sites, nurseries, drains, and discarded containers.
Jhalokathi second-highest in division
According to district health data, neighboring Jhalokathi ranks second after Pirojpur in terms of dengue infections in the Barishal division. The rising number of cases has raised concern not only in Pirojpur but across the wider Barishal region.
Health officials have urged residents to keep their homes and surroundings clean, eliminate stagnant water, and sleep under mosquito nets during both the day and night.
Public health experts warned that controlling the current outbreak will require more than hospital care. A coordinated drive to eliminate Aedes breeding grounds must be intensified immediately; otherwise, the dengue situation in Pirojpur could deteriorate further.
