Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

The dengue situation in Narayanganj is spiraling into a state of alarm. A total of 51 patients were admitted to various government hospitals across the district in the past 24 hours, marking the highest single-day infection record of the year. 

Although the monsoon season is over, the continued mosquito menace and rising number of cases have triggered grave concern among both the local health authorities and the public. The latest daily report from the district health department has revealed explosive data that shattered all previous records — the total number of dengue cases in Narayanganj this year has reached 1,031. This “crossing a thousand” threshold has put the local healthcare system under severe strain.

According to the report released on Monday , including the newly detected cases, a total of 51 dengue patients are now receiving treatment at Narayanganj 300-Bed Hospital, Sadar General (Victoria) Hospital, and various upazila health complexes. Notably, 110 new cases have been detected in just the first six days of October, indicating that the outbreak might worsen before winter arrives. Locals claim that “almost every household” in Narayanganj now has at least one dengue patient.

Although 13 patients were discharged in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries this year to 962, the number of hospitalized patients remains dangerously high. The district health department has yet to confirm any official dengue-related deaths. However, unofficial sources suggest that at least 300 people have died from dengue fever in the district over the past three months, and the number of chikungunya cases has exceeded one thousand.

The Narayanganj District Health Department has warned that public participation is crucial to curb the spread of dengue. Authorities have intensified efforts to destroy mosquitoes and raise public awareness.

According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, Narayanganj has not a single platelet separator machine, making modern treatment nearly impossible. Dr. Md. Shahidullah, a medicine specialist, explained. 

By September, over 10,000 people had been infected with dengue in Narayanganj. Government data records 97 official deaths, though journalists and civil society believe the actual toll is at least double. Even now, 50–100 new patients are being admitted daily at Victoria Hospital alone.

The NCC Health Department claimed it is conducting anti-mosquito drives. Critics, however, argue that the main crisis lies in the healthcare system, not just mosquito control. Without expanding hospital capacity and diagnostic facilities, the problem will persist.

Families are rushing to Dhaka in desperation. And people like Rojina Akter are asking the question echoing across the entire district:“If there were platelet machines in Narayanganj, would we have to risk our lives rushing to Dhaka?