Bangladesh dengue deaths top 100, August could be worse
Dengue has killed 101 people and infected 24,183 so far this year, official data showed, placing a severe strain on the country's already overstretched healthcare system.
A sharp rise in fatalities has accompanied the spike in cases. Nineteen people have already died of dengue so far in August, following 41 deaths in July — more than double June's 19 fatalities.
"The situation is critical. The virus is already widespread across the country, and without aggressive intervention, hospitals will be overwhelmed," said Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University.
"August could see at least three times as many cases as July, with numbers potentially peaking in September."
Health officials are urging people to use mosquito repellents, sleep under nets, and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
"We need coordinated spraying and community clean-up drives, especially in high-risk zones," Bashar said.
Experts say climate change, along with warm, humid weather and intermittent rain, has created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of the dengue virus.
While Dhaka remains a major hotspot, dengue is peaking across the country. Large numbers of infections are being reported from outside the capital, adding pressure to rural healthcare facilities with limited capacity to treat severe cases.
Doctors warn that early medical attention is critical. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue should prompt immediate hospital visits to reduce the risk of complications or death.
With the peak dengue season still ahead, health experts have stressed that community participation, alongside government-led mosquito control, will be critical in preventing what could become one of Bangladesh's worst outbreaks in years.
The deadliest year on record was 2023, with 1,705 deaths and more than 321,000 infections reported.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
24 minutes ago
- ITV News
Government turns to TikTok to highlight risks of cosmetic surgery abroad
The Government will use social media influencers to highlight the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants and dental work under new plans. Ministers hope the new campaign with TikTok will help people make 'more informed choices before they go under the knife'. As part of the initiative, the Government will work with medical influencers, such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to create videos showing the risks of cosmetic surgery abroad. The content will urge patients to speak to a UK doctor first and avoid package holidays that include procedures. It will also include a checklist for patients to consider before they book a procedure, which includes checking the credentials of surgeons, the clinic's regulations, and understanding the aftercare. The initiative is part of a wider Government drive to tackle so-called medical tourism and ensure the NHS is not left to foot the bill when complications arise. Health minister Karin Smyth said: 'Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards. 'Often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question. 'By partnering with TikTok, we're helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife – wherever that may be.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad. 'If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved. 'We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice, relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies, and research foreign providers thoroughly to ensure they meet the highest standard of care. 'Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.' The initiative comes after ministers outlined plans to cut down on 'cowboy' cosmetic procedures by introducing new restrictions. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Social Care unveiled proposals which include only allowing 'suitably qualified' and Care Quality Commission-regulated health workers to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts. Elsewhere, clinics offering Botox and fillers will need licences, and age restrictions will be introduced to prevent children from trying to follow 'dangerous beauty trends on social media'. Those who break the rules will face sanctions, including financial penalties, officials said.
Western Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Government turns to TikTok to highlight risks of cosmetic surgery abroad
Ministers hope the new campaign with TikTok will help people make 'more informed choices before they go under the knife'. As part of the initiative, the Government will work with medical influencers, such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to create videos showing the risks of cosmetic surgery abroad. The content will urge patients to speak to a UK doctor first and avoid package holidays that include procedures. It will also include a checklist for patients to consider before they book a procedure, which includes checking the credentials of surgeons, the clinic's regulations, and understanding the aftercare. The initiative is part of a wider Government drive to tackle so-called medical tourism and ensure the NHS is not left to foot the bill when complications arise. Health minister Karin Smyth said: 'Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards. 'Often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question. 'By partnering with TikTok, we're helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife – wherever that may be.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad. 'If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved. 'We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice, relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies, and research foreign providers thoroughly to ensure they meet the highest standard of care. 'Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.' The initiative comes after ministers outlined plans to cut down on 'cowboy' cosmetic procedures by introducing new restrictions. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Social Care unveiled proposals which include only allowing 'suitably qualified' and Care Quality Commission-regulated health workers to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts. Elsewhere, clinics offering Botox and fillers will need licences, and age restrictions will be introduced to prevent children from trying to follow 'dangerous beauty trends on social media'. Those who break the rules will face sanctions, including financial penalties, officials said.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
The 75p ‘granddaddy of spices' that gives you glowing, youthful skin – and you may see key health boosts too
IF you're looking for a quick and easy way to get your skin glowing, you may want to turn to your spice rack. Turmeric is commonly used to add colour and flavour to dishes like curries. 2 But beyond its culinary charm, the vibrant powder has also been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its main active ingredient, curcumin, has been found to reduce inflammation and promotes collagen production - hello plump skin and less wrinkles! Turmeric's antimicrobial properties can also help prevent acne breakouts and other skin infections. Dr Trevor Cates, from skincare brand The Spa Dr, said: "You can consider it [turmeric] the granddaddy of anti-inflammatory spices. "Its effects are so powerful that it may also help with joint pain." To get more curcumin into your system, Dr Cates suggests brewing up a cup of turmeric tea. He starts with four cups of water which he brings to the boil before adding one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reducing to a simmer for 10 minutes. Then, he says, strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, and add honey and/or lemon to taste. He adds: "[You can] experiment with the ingredients and flavorings until you find a combination that suits your taste. "You can also experiment with freshly grated turmeric for a more vibrant flavour." Another way to get more turmeric into your system is by sprinkling a little on your food. Veggies and meat are all delicious with a little curcumin added. And with a jar of ground turmeric from Aldi costing as little as 75p, it works out as a very cost-effective skin booster. But be warned - while you can also mix turmeric with milk or water and apply it directly to your skin, it may stain if you leave it on too long. My skin was red, dry and covered in spots before I transformed it in a week using animal fat - I'm a total convert Beyond your skincare and helping with joint pain, some lab studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin also has anti-cancer effects. It is being argued that it is able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing with "promising" results in clinical trials. But Cancer Research UK says larger studies are needed. The organisation adds: "At the moment there is no clear evidence in humans to show that turmeric or curcumin can prevent or treat cancer. "We don't know how safe curcumin is when used for medical reasons. So far, research studies seem to show that it causes few or no side effects. "But we don't know much about the side effects of taking it in large amounts to treat or prevent cancer. "So, if you use curcumin for reasons other than cooking, talk to your doctor first."
