New Strain of Dengue Spreading Panic in Sylhet, Nearly 400 Cases Identified

The number of dengue cases in Sylhet is steadily rising. In the past 12 days, 75 new people have been infected with the virus. This year alone, nearly 400 cases have been identified in the region. Experts say that the dengue virus has mutated, making it even more dangerous.

According to sources from the health department, in the last 24 hours, three new dengue patients were identified in Sylhet division. This brings the total number of dengue cases in Sylhet division to 390 for this year. Of these, 75 cases have been reported in the current month alone.

The outbreak is increasing in Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Habiganj, with Habiganj seeing the highest number of infections. This year, 71 people in Sylhet, 55 in Sunamganj, 54 in Moulvibazar, and 210 in Habiganj have been diagnosed with dengue. There has been one reported death due to dengue in the Sylhet division, a patient who passed away on October 8 at Sunamganj Sadar Hospital.

Currently, 24 dengue patients are admitted to various hospitals in Sylhet division.

The Health Directorate has stated that the dengue strain has changed, and more complicated symptoms are now being observed in patients. As a result, many patients require intensive monitoring. There is now an increased need for portable ultrasound machines and bedside hematocrit machines to facilitate quicker diagnoses and treatment decisions. These tools help streamline treatment and reduce complications.

In previous years, dengue outbreaks and deaths were most common during the monsoon months of July and August. However, for the past four years, October has seen the highest rates of dengue infection. November is now emerging as the deadliest month for dengue, with an increased number of fatalities reported during this time.