By Barun Kumar Das

DHAKA, Aug 09, 2026 (BSS) - Specialist doctors have advised the people, who have been suffering from fever for one to two days to go to the nearest hospital for dengue test and seek medical attention if dengue infection is detected in the test.

Talking to specialist doctors, it was learnt that the number of dengue patients is increasing across the country, including the capital. Among them, a significant proportion of the infected are children. 

This year, especially school-going children are being affected more with dengue. So, if anyone suffers from fever, he or she should get a blood test without any delay and seek medical advice as needed.

In addition, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has also requested all to test their blood to detect dengue if they suffer from fever.

Officials at DGHS said the government has made the NS-1 test for dengue completely free in all government hospitals in the country until December 31 and the CM test has been reduced from Taka 300 to Taka 50.

According to the DGHS, 18,673 people have been hospitalised with dengue as of August 8 this year. Of them, 59 died. Of the patients infected with dengue, 61.5 percent are men and 38.5 percent are women. Some 10,827 are between the ages of 0 and 30, and 25 of them died.

So far this year, 26 people have died in Dhaka Division.

An analysis of the comparative report of dengue patients in 2025 and 2026 shows that 18,673 people have been infected with dengue as of August 8 this year, while the number was 23,410 in 2025. 

In 2026, 59 people have died from dengue so far, while in 2025, 95 people died from it during the same period. Both the infection and death rates are lower this year than that of previous year.

Regarding dengue awareness, Dr Hasan Hafizur Rahman told BSS that the main way to prevent dengue is to destroy Aedes mosquitoes.

“The first thing that is needed for this is to increase public awareness. So, we should all keep our house courtyards clean all times so that water does not accumulate under flower tubs, drums, buckets, air conditioners and refrigerators,” he said.

The active participation of all in the destruction of Aedes mosquitoes is essential, he said.

He said in dengue fever, the body temperature can rise to 102 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. 

At this time, Dr Hasan said, the fever should be reduced by pouring water on the head and wiping the body. In addition, if the intensity of the fever increases, dengue tests should be conducted quickly, he said.

DGHS’s Director (Hospitals) Dr Nurul Islam said even if the fever lasts for one or two days, dengue tests should be done as soon as possible.

He also said instructions have been given to increase public awareness at the field level, and all hospitals in the country have been instructed to be ready due to the fear of an increase in dengue patients during the monsoon. 

“Necessary medicines and medical equipment are in stock. If the situation deteriorates, additional beds and separate dengue wards will be opened at hospitals,” he added.