Khulna hospitals overwhelmed by dengue fever surge

A surge in dengue fever cases is overwhelming the healthcare system in Khulna, Bangladesh. Hospitals in the region are reporting a critical shortage of beds, forcing many patients to seek care at private clinics or wait hours for admission.

Data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) indicates the outbreak has expanded from major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram into rural areas and upazilas. In the Khulna division, cases rose from 2,071 recorded between January and July to 3,774 in August alone. The death toll in the region also increased from eight to 20 within a single month.

Local advocates, including Md Babul Howlader of the Khulna Civil Society, have called on the government to declare Khulna a high-risk area. Recommendations include expanding hospital capacity, establishing temporary treatment facilities, and increasing medical manpower to manage the rising caseload.