With the onset of winter, the number of patient suffering from rotavirus-induced diarrhea has increased at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. Along with that, pneumonia cases are on rise as well.
The rotavirus has led to an increase in diarrhea cases, especially among children, which tends to spread more during winter.
In the past week, more than 3,000 patients have sought treatment for cold-related illnesses, including respiratory problems and diarrhea, at the hospital’s outpatient department, said Acting Residential Medical Officer (RMO) Wahid Mahmud Robin.
He said, there has been a rise in rotavirus cases due to the cold, leading to diarrhea. Pneumonia cases are also increasing significantly. Additionally, 400 to 500 children and elderly patients are receiving treatment daily at the outpatient department due to winter-related illnesses.
According to experts, winter often brings a surge in various seasonal illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. In Chuadanga, this trend is particularly evident as hospitals report an increasing number of cases related to cold weather. One of the most common ailments is rotavirus-induced diarrhea, which primarily affects infants and young children. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, and is more prevalent during the colder months. Children suffering from this illness experience severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which can quickly lead to dehydration if not treated promptly.
The temperature in Chuadanga was recorded at 14.5 degrees Celsius Monday at 6:00am, with 97 percent humidity. This marks the lowest temperature in the district so far this season.
On Sunday, the district's lowest temperature was 15.8 degrees Celsius. The temperature dropped by 1.3 degrees Celsius within a day.
According to the local meteorological office, temperatures are expected to drop gradually from now on.
Rokibul Hasan, a senior observer at Chuadanga’s first-class weather observatory, told the media, the minimum temperature recorded in Chuadanga at 6:00am on Monday was 14.5 degrees Celsius. The temperature is likely to drop by 1 to 2 degrees daily.
The rise in cases highlights the need for increased precautions, such as maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring access to clean drinking water, to prevent further spread of the illness, said the experts.
