Health authorities recommend immediate dengue test for fever to prevent complications

The Directorate General of Health Services has recommended that anyone who develops a fever immediately undergo an NS1 test for dengue to ensure timely detection.

The health directorate made the request in a public notice issued on Sunday.

In the 24 hours until Sunday morning, Bangladesh reported nine dengue-related deaths, with 1,042 people admitted to hospitals, marking the highest single-day toll for both deaths and hospitalisations this year.

According to the notice, of the nine deaths, seven occurred on the first day of hospitalisation.

The DGHS emphasised that the delay in seeking hospital care contributed to the severity of dengue cases, leaving insufficient time for effective treatment.

“Two other individuals died the day after admission. The delay in seeking medical attention makes it difficult to manage severe cases,” the notice said.

If dengue is confirmed, they should seek medical help without delay, it added.

The DGHS reassured the public that it remains highly vigilant about dengue treatment, with sufficient testing kits, saline solutions, and medications available at all hospitals.

It said, to reduce deaths, it is crucial to quickly identify dengue, provide treatment according to guidelines, and implement effective mosquito control measures. The health directorate also called for cooperation from all stakeholders.

In a press conference on Sept 22, the DGHS revealed that most of the 124 dengue-related deaths reviewed had been caused by patients arriving at hospitals too late.

According to Dr Md Halimur Rashid, director of the Infectious Disease Control Branch, the review showed that most deaths occurred three to six days after the onset of fever, with 66 of the 124 deaths occurring within 24 hours of admission.

As of Sunday, 49,907 people have been hospitalised across the country due to dengue, with 212 deaths reported.