The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has reported an increase in the number of patients this week.
Around 520 patients sought treatment at the ICDDR,B on Tuesday.
By 4:00pm yesterday the number of patients admitted was 300.
Doctors at the ICDDR,B were expecting the number of patients to exceed 500 by midnight.
Hospital sources said, “The average number of admissions to the centre is usually between 350 to 400.
“But during the summer and post-monsoon season the number of patients increases.”
Dr Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, scientist and head of the longer stay unit, said a sharp rise in diarrhoeal diseases usually occurs between the months of March and May due to a rise in temperatures, which causes bacteria to become more active.
He said that the second spell of diarrhoeal diseases takes place during the post-monsoon season between June and August.
Floodwater contaminates ground water by entering through leaked pipelines, and causes those who consume it to fall ill.
Doctor Shahadat added, “If the water and sanitation system cannot be improved, the number of patients suffering from diarrhoea will greatly increase.”
He said that the government must treat the issue of contaminated water most seriously and that it must do all that it can to provide safe drinking water to residents.
Authorities at ICDDR,B said a study conducted in Dhaka’s Nodda and Kalachandpur area last year found the presence of cholera in the water, which is potentially fatal.
They recommend that residents boil all water before consuming it and to avoid street foods and juices.
The authorities also suggested giving oral saline to those suffering from diarrhoea and to immediately consult a doctor if someone appears to be severely dehydrated.
Authorities at ICDDR,B said that most patients are coming from the capital’s Mirpur and Sabujbag areas and that 65 per cent of patients are children up to five years old.
Up to a third of patients being admitted to ICDDR,B are suffering from severe dehydration.
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