Fever, cold, diarrhoea patients rising in Cox’s Bazar due to extreme heat

Many people in Cox's Bazar are suffering from various heat-related illnesses as a result of extreme heat for the last couple of days, and an average of 500 patients are being treated at the Sadar Hospital every day.

Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital Residential Medical Officer Dr Shaheen Mohammad Abdur Rahman said that the patient crowd is increasing every day and they are struggling to cope with such rushes of patients. At present, there are 558 patients in the 250-bed hospital till Wednesday noon. As the temperature rises the number of patients may rise further.

He added that the number of diarrhoea and respiratory patients is higher among the admitted patients. Especially in the children's ward, the number of diarrhoea, cold and fever patients is constantly increasing.

Viral fever, diarrhoea, cold and cough are attacking children more. Besides, there is a higher risk of heat stroke, he said further.

Dr Shaheen added that a record number of 1,200 patients received outdoor treatment and 304 were treated in the emergency department on Thursday.

He suggested that people should avoid going out in the heat unnecessary to be protected from these diseases. In addition, everyone should drink plenty of water and fruit juices along with maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

Cox's Bazar Meteorological Department Observation Officer Md Farman Ali said that the temperature in the district on Thursday was 34.5 degrees Celsius, the same as Wednesday. The intensity of heat may last for two to three more days. However, there is a possibility of rain in some places. The temperature is likely to decrease gradually after the rain.

AKM Ata Elahi, in charge of the special team of Cox's Bazar North Forest Department, said that life has become unbearable due to unbearable heat for people as well as animals.

Anwar Hossain, manager of the district's Union Hospital, said the number of patients suffering from heat-related diseases was increasing in the hospitals due to the extreme temperature. In addition to government hospitals, the city's private hospitals are also struggling to cope with the pressure of patients.

Cox's Bazar Bachao Andolan President Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka said that on one hand, the lockdown is going on. On the other hand, the extreme heat has caused sufferings to labourers, rickshaw pullers and farmers.

Bangladesh Medical Association Cox's Bazar Branch General Secretary Dr Mahbubur Rahman said that diarrhoea patients increase due to the attack of viruses and bacteria in extreme heat. The number of patients suffering from cold and fever also increases.

In hot weather, the effects of diarrhoea, shortness of breath and fever are more on children and parents need to be aware to keep their children free from these diseases.