Dengue Cases Surge at Mymensingh Hospital as City Marks High-Risk Zones

Dengue admissions at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital have escalated dramatically, with the medical facility recording 346 hospitalisations this year. The sharpest increase occurred during the first three weeks of July, accounting for 220 cases, whereas the preceding six months between January and June saw a total of 126 admissions.

A significant proportion of the patients originate from within the Mymensingh City Corporation area, alongside referrals arriving from surrounding regional districts.

Five dengue-related fatalities have been recorded at the regional hospital so far this year. Individual deaths occurred in February and July, while three patients succumbed to the infection during June. Historical admission records reflect a recurring seasonal pattern where transmission peaks between July and November. During the equivalent January–July period in 2025, the facility treated 176 dengue patients and recorded one casualty, before hospitalisations surged to 2,227 cases and 28 deaths between August and December.

As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, 39 patients remained admitted in the specialized dengue unit. Ten new patients were admitted over the preceding 24 hours, while 11 were discharged.

High-Risk Urban Zones and Municipal Measures

In response to rising infection rates, the municipal authority designated six urban wards as “Special Zones” to target vector control interventions. The designated high-risk areas encompass Wards 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. City Corporation data traces the progression of local infections, which rose from four cases between January and May to eight in June, before jumping to 58 recorded infections up to 21 July, bringing the city’s annual total to 70 cases and one fatality.

Rukunuzzaman Rokon, Administrator of Mymensingh City Corporation, confirmed that vector suppression efforts have been intensified across the designated special zones. Municipal teams are conducting larvicidal spraying and thermal fogging twice daily, alongside household distribution of educational leaflets.

Despite these municipal measures, residents in high-risk localities such as Naumahal reported persistent mosquito infestations and blocked drainage channels filled with refuse. Local residents expressed concern over the efficacy of current spraying operations as night-time mosquito activity remains severe.

Ward Capacity Under Pressure

Hospital administration established a dedicated 20-bed dengue isolation ward on 2 July to manage incoming admissions. However, demand has surpassed physical capacity, forcing staff to arrange floor bedding for additional patients. Between 2 July and Wednesday afternoon, the specialized ward admitted 242 patients, with approximately 56 percent originating from the City Corporation jurisdiction, particularly from the Naumahal, Akua Madrasa Quarter, and Boundary Road neighbourhoods.

Patients treated at the facility include local residents and migrant workers admitted with severe clinical complications, including severe thrombocytopenia requiring multiple blood transfusions. Dr Md Mainuddin Khan, Assistant Director (Administration) at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, stated that the facility maintains adequate supplies of medication and diagnostic testing kits to manage incoming patients presenting with high fever and skin rashes.

Outpatient and inpatient services are also treating patients across rural upazilas. Figures from the District Civil Surgeon’s Office show that 35 patients received treatment across 12 upazila health complexes up to 22 July, with five patients currently hospitalised. Civil Surgeon Dr Faysal Ahmed stated that newly appointed medical officers have received specialized training in clinical dengue management, alongside ongoing public awareness and sanitation drives across the district.