Faridpur witnesses massive surge in fever, diarrhoea cases among children amid heatwave
"Around 400 to 500 children are coming to the hospital every day, suffering from health issues due to the severe heat,” Dr Partha Pratim Saha, a physician at the hospital, told TBS
The number of children suffering from fever and diarrhoea has significantly increased in Faridpur, with the recent heatwave exacerbating the situation.
Over the past week, the number of child patients at Faridpur hospitals has surged several times beyond the usual rate, particularly in the outdoor department.
Visiting Dr Zahed Memorial Children's Hospital today (24 September), The Business Standard saw parents from the district and nearby upazilas crowding the Outdoor Department with their ailing children.
According to hospital sources, the number of paediatric patients have increased twofold in the last week.
"Around 400 to 500 children are coming to the hospital every day, suffering from health issues due to the severe heat," Dr Partha Pratim Saha, a physician at the hospital, told TBS.
"Parents should ensure their children stay indoors, provide them with plenty of water, seasonal fruits, and oral saline. Stale food must be avoided, and medical advice should be sought if necessary," he said.
According to hospital data, in the past week, 5,440 children have been treated at Dr Zahed Memorial Children's Hospital. Additionally, 80 to 85 children are being admitted daily for further treatment.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Office's latest weather forecast, a mild heat wave is sweeping over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions and the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga & Kushtia.
Faridpur, under the Dhaka Division, recorded a maximum temperature of 36.5°C on Monday (23 September).