Staff Correspondent:

Dengue and Covid-19 are returning in alarming and more dangerous forms, with significant changes in their behavior, say medical experts. Previously, dengue typically presented with high fever, joint pain, coughing, and sore throat.

Now, fever is often absent or mild, while severe headaches and joint pain are more common. In some cases, cough is no longer a symptom.

Similarly, Covid-19 symptoms have also changed. Previously, patients experienced sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and high fever. Currently, fever tends to be lower, and respiratory issues are less frequent. Headaches, however, are more prominent.

As it’s currently flu season, many people mistake these headaches for influenza and choose not to see a doctor, instead staying at home.

EXPERTS URGE TREATMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Specialist doctors emphasize that as the behavior of both viruses has changed, treatment protocols must also be updated. However, patients must first seek proper diagnosis and medical advice. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of testing kits in hospitals across the country, and vaccines are in limited supply. Covid management is reported to be weak — airport testing is minimal, and hospitals lack necessary resources.

Hospital authorities report a shortage of Covid testing kits, stressing that the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the faster the recovery. Therefore, sufficient testing kits should be distributed nationwide.

Doctors also warn that many people suffering from severe headaches and joint pain remain at home due to the absence of fever, delaying treatment. In some cases, when complications eventually arise, patients deteriorate quickly and require ICU support, which is often unavailable — leading to fatalities. If the current situation continues, a new wave of dengue and Covid could become a full-blown epidemic.

They recommend door-to-door sample collection at the ward level to identify and treat cases early.

UNIFIED ACTION NEEDED

Both public and private sectors must work in coordination, say experts. Testing fees at private hospitals should be regulated, as many have turned diagnostics into a profit-driven enterprise. While antigen tests at private hospitals cost around 700 BDT and RT-PCR tests 3,000 BDT, government hospitals currently offer both for free. However, experts suggest a nominal fee be introduced in public hospitals to avoid unnecessary crowding and raise public awareness.

As of yesterday, 28 people have died from dengue this year, with 5,570 reported cases. In the last 24 hours alone, five people died — the highest single-day death toll so far this year. Additionally, 159 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals during the same period. According to the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), four of these deaths occurred in Barisal Division and one in Dhaka South City Corporation.

COVID DEATHS AND INFECTIONS ALSO RISING

Meanwhile, two more deaths from Covid-19 were reported between Thursday morning and Friday morning, with 15 new infections confirmed, according to a DGHS press release.

Dr. Mushtaq Hossain, advisor at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stated that the behavior of both dengue and Covid has notably changed. However, previous experience in handling these diseases can be leveraged if rapid testing and diagnosis are prioritized. He emphasized the importance of adhering to health protocols, mosquito control, wearing socks and long-sleeved clothing during the day, and ward-level sample collection.

He warned that elderly patients, and those with kidney disease, cancer, or asthma, are particularly at risk and need the highest priority in care and prevention efforts. A coordinated approach between public and private sectors is essential. Without it, managing a severe outbreak will be extremely difficult.

Dr. Badrul Alam, Joint Director of the National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital, said the symptoms of both dengue and Covid have changed. Covid variants have evolved, and dengue shows new clinical characteristics. Patients now often present with severe headaches, joint pain, and body aches, typical of dengue. On the Covid side, symptoms vary — some have coughs without fever, others experience shortness of breath, or none at all. He cautioned that cases are likely to rise sharply.

DGHS AND PEDIATRIC WARNINGS

Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, Director General of DGHS, noted that Covid was more prevalent this time last year, and now seems to be resurging. In Barguna, standing water has led to mosquito outbreaks. He assured that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent dengue and Covid but lamented that many people still refuse to follow health guidelines. He urged the public to adhere strictly to safety protocols.

Dr. Shafi Ahmed Moaj, former Director of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, stated that children are also being infected with dengue and Covid. He advised that children should wear long-sleeved clothing and socks during the day, and seek medical attention if symptoms like cough, cold, or fever appear. They should also wear masks and sleep under mosquito nets, and he cautioned against exposing them to direct sunlight.