Barguna, June 16 (V7N) – The dengue crisis in Barguna continues to worsen, with the death toll reaching 17 after a 3-year-old child succumbed to the disease last night while being transported to Dhaka for advanced medical care.

The young victim, Safwan Abdullah, son of Sazia Afrin, an instructor at Barguna Nursing Institute, passed away on Sunday, June 15. Dr. Taskia Siddika, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Barguna General Hospital, confirmed the child's death on the way to Dhaka from Barishal Medical College Hospital.

According to sources at Barguna Hospital, Safwan was admitted to Barguna General Hospital a few days after developing a fever. During his treatment, fluid began accumulating in the child's chest and stomach. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal on Sunday morning. When his condition did not improve there, doctors advised transferring him to Dhaka, but tragically, Abdullah died en route.

Safwan resided in the Lakurtala Mallikbari area of Gourichanna Union No. 2 of Barguna Sadar Upazila. His father, Abdullah Al Mamun, works as an agricultural deputy assistant officer in the upazila.

Dr. Taskia Siddika elaborated on Safwan's case, stating, "The child was admitted to the hospital with dengue fever. Initially, his condition was somewhat stable, but later it deteriorated rapidly. The child's doctor, Dr. Mehedi Hasan, took him to Barisal Medical College Hospital last night and advised him to do so. The child's family took him to Barishal this morning. From there, the child died on the way to Dhaka."

Barguna has been identified as a dengue hotspot, with alarming numbers of cases and deaths being reported even before the peak monsoon season. Reports indicate Barguna accounts for a significant portion of nationwide dengue hospitalizations and fatalities, with overcrowded hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Medical professionals have highlighted the challenges posed by staff shortages and the severe strain on healthcare services due to the ongoing outbreak.

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