Kala-Azar kills 1, infects 43 in Thakurgaon
A man died of Kala-Azar at Debiganj upazila health complex yesterday.
The victim was identified as Jamini Kumer Roy,50, of Dararhat village in Debiduba union under the upazila.
Another patient Rohini,70, of the same village is undergoing treatment in serious condition while 43 others infected with the disease earlier are also being treated at the health complex.
Upazila health officer (UHO) of Debiganj health complex Md Masud told this correspondent over cell phone that Jamini Kumer Roy was admitted to the health complex a few days ago with high fever. After investigation it was found that he was infected with Kala-Azar, he said.
Kala-Azar broke out in Debiduba and Tepriganj unions a few weeks ago. The fever has also been detected in two other unions -- Shaldanga and Shundardighi.
"A medical camp has been set up at Dararhat village in Debiduba union and we have sent a letter to higher authorities for sending a specialist team immediately to control the situation", the UHO said.
About a month ago, blood samples of 100 people suspected of being infected with the disease were collected from different villages. On examination, 43 were found infected with Kala-Azar.
An expert team from the health directorate visited Debiganj a month ago. They collected soil of the villages where most people have been suffering from the fever.
The most affected villages are Dabarhat under Debiduba union, Paikpara, Dighalgram, Dashpara, Jhantapara, Shimulbari and Dhangram under Shaldanga upazila.
The UHO said, just a year ago they detected only one or two patients infected with Kala-Azar, but in the last two months the number increased alarmingly.
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