Dengue Devastates a Family

Samir Mondal of Rajbari and Jayanti Biswas of Gopalganj had built a loving relationship, culminating in marriage. After nine years of longing, their home was illuminated by the birth of their daughter, Pratibha Mondal. The arrival of their first child brought with it countless dreams and hopes. Soon after, a second daughter was born, completing their small family. Samir works at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the couple, along with three-year-old Pratibha and six-month-old Janvi, lived together in a staff quarter in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Tragically, dengue fever shattered this carefully arranged family.

Samir shared that Jayanti was the first to contract dengue, followed a few days later by their daughter Pratibha. Initially treated at home, their condition worsened, necessitating hospitalisation. Despite medical efforts, both lost their lives. Jayanti passed away in the early hours of 21 September, and Pratibha followed the next day. In an instant, their small household was left devastated.

In a deeply emotional voice, Samir said:

“I married Jayanti in 2013 after a love-filled courtship. For nine years, we had no children. After multiple treatments, Pratibha was born on 11 June 2022. My wife dreamed of making her a doctor. Everything has ended. My youngest daughter is only six months old, and she too has lost her mother. How am I supposed to go on?”

He continued:

“At 7:00 am on 21 September, doctors declared Jayanti dead. That same day, we took her body to Baghatia village in Baliakandi, Rajbari, for burial. I returned to Dhaka that night to be with Pratibha. By 9:00 pm the following day, she also passed away at Universal Medical College Hospital. On 23 September, we laid her to rest beside her mother.”

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 188 people have died from dengue this season, including Jayanti and Pratibha. As of Friday at 8:00 am, no new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. During this period, 219 new patients were admitted, bringing the total number of hospitalised dengue patients this season to 44,692. Among them, 42,478 have recovered and returned home.

Recent DGHS reports indicate that the primary cause of death is shock syndrome, accounting for 56% of fatalities. Additionally, 40% of the deceased suffered from pre-existing complications. Among the victims, 19 were aged 20–30 years, and 16 were aged 0–10 years.

Professor Dr. Abu Zafar, Director General of the DGHS, stated that dengue cases begin rising in July, peaking in September. He emphasised:

“There is no new treatment for dengue. However, modern medical care is being provided according to World Health Organization guidelines. There is no shortage of detection kits, medicines, or saline.”

He added that medical teams have been deployed in every hospital, and city corporations and municipalities have been instructed to strengthen cleanliness campaigns.

Dengue Trends in Bangladesh

• 2024: 101,214 dengue cases; 575 deaths
• 2023: 321,179 dengue cases; 1,705 deaths

The outbreak highlights the continuing threat of dengue in the country and the urgent need for preventive measures.

Table: Dengue Overview – 2024 Season