The dengue situation in Sitakunda, Chattogram, is becoming increasingly alarming. In less than 48 hours, another child has tragically died from dengue in this upazila. The five-year-old child, Sirajul Monira, passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment. This incident has caused deep sorrow and apprehension among the local populace, as just two days prior, a young man had also died from dengue in the same upazila. Health officials are monitoring the situation and emphasizing increased awareness for dengue prevention.
The deceased child, Sirajul Monira, was the daughter of Nurunnabi, a resident of Amirabad area in Sitakunda Municipality. Her untimely demise has cast a shadow of grief over the family. This second death occurred before the shock of the young man's death, who succumbed to dengue in Tulatuli village of Bhatiari Union last Tuesday afternoon, could subside, highlighting the severity of dengue. Local administration and the health department are taking these rapid deaths very seriously and are reviewing their measures to combat dengue.
Upazila Health Officer Mohammad Altaf Hossain confirmed the tragic death. He stated that child Sirajul Monira was not brought to the Upazila Health Complex. According to preliminary information, after the child contracted fever, her tests were conducted with some delay from the prescribed time. When she was later taken to a private hospital for treatment, doctors, observing her critical condition, advised immediate transfer to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. It is believed that this delay in diagnosis and initiation of necessary treatment further complicated the situation.
According to information provided by the health official, after being transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, child Sirajul Monira was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She passed away there on Thursday morning after one day of treatment. This incident once again underscores the necessity for dengue patients to receive prompt and appropriate medical care. Especially for children, it is of utmost importance to seek immediate medical advice without any delay if dengue symptoms appear.
The child's neighbor, Md. Selim Uddin, stated that Sirajul Monira had been suffering from a high fever for several days and gradually became very weak. Observing her continuous deterioration, worried parents took her to a doctor last Tuesday. There, a blood test confirmed that she was infected with dengue. Following the blood test results, due to the child's serious condition, she was promptly advised to be admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
According to neighbor Selim Uddin's account, following the doctors' advice, family members immediately admitted the child to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. While undergoing treatment there, she was transferred to the ICU on Wednesday. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the child passed away on Thursday morning while still under treatment. This incident has generated widespread concern about dengue among locals, who are demanding effective measures from the administration.
The rapid spread of dengue and the two consecutive deaths in Sitakunda are prompting the health department to rethink its strategies. It is crucial to intensify mosquito eradication efforts, raise public awareness, and inform members of every family about dengue symptoms to combat the disease. Furthermore, getting tested promptly if fever occurs and receiving treatment according to a doctor's advice are essential for preventing this disease. These two incidents have brought the dengue situation in Sitakunda, and indeed all of Chattogram, back into the spotlight, emphasizing the need for more effective public health protection measures.
