Chattogram is seeing an outbreak of diarrhoea as at least 264 patients have reportedly been hospitalised in 15 upazila health complexes over the last 24 hours, reports UNB.
Among them, 50 people are affected in Boalkhali, 33 people in Chandanish, 32 people in Patia and 29 people in Anwara.
These upazilas experience more patients compared to other upazilas.
According to various hospital sources, hundreds of patients were admitted to the hospitals with diarrhea in the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Civil Surgeon Office formed a three-member committee to find the cause of the diarrhoea outbreak.
It also ordered to reconstitute and prepare one medical team in each union and five in each upazila health complex.
Besides, a control room (phone number 02333354843) has been opened by the Civil Surgeon and health education programmes have been strengthened to increase public awareness about diarrhoea.
Due to shortage of beds in government hospitals, many patients are being treated on the floor.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Elias Chowdhury said necessary medical supplies are also kept in stock.
“We are fully prepared to treat the patients,” he said.
In addition to public and private hospitals in Chattogram, many people are receiving treatment at their homes, he added.
Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) Hospital Associate Professor Dr. Mamunur Rashid said that due to excessive heat, people are suffering from this disease as they are consuming juice, water and various foods.
Nuruzzaman, a resident of Boalkhali area, said he admitted his mother with diarrhoea at Boalkhali Upazila Health complex with severe condition a few days ago, but now his mother's condition is improving and he is going back home with his mother.
Brigadier General Shamim Ahsan, director of Chatrogram Medical College and Hospital, said that the number of patients suffering from diarrhoea has increased in the hospital due to excessive heat waves.
"This situation has been prevailing for some days. But there is nothing to fear as we have all kinds of preparations to treat the patients," the CMCH director added.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
