Dengue cases have surged across Khulna in recent weeks, putting hospitals under severe pressure.

In the 24 hours till yesterday morning, two people from Khulna district died and 75 new patients were admitted across the division, according to a report signed by Md Mosharraf Hossain, director of the Khulna divisional health department.

Of the new admissions, 40 were in Khulna, 28 in Bagerhat, four in Narail, two in Meherpur and one in Kushtia.

At least, 3,191 dengue patients have been admitted across the division since January 1. Twelve have died, 2,777 recovered and 365 remain under treatment, while 37 were referred elsewhere.

Nine deaths occurred at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), two from Khulna district and one from Bagerhat.

Between August 8 and 13, 506 patients were admitted, health department data show.

Yesterday, Khulna General Hospital had 61 dengue patients against 25 designated beds.

Superintendent Dr Rafiqul Islam Gazi said testing kits and medicines were adequate, but beds were in short supply.

At KMCH, 113 patients were being treated against 40 beds. “If the number of patients increases further, we would open a separate dengue unit at the emergency department,” said Superintendent Md Akhtaruzzaman.

At Khulna City Medical College Hospital, all 15 dengue beds were occupied, prompting authorities to convert 19 cabins. Still, about 10 patients returned without treatment due to a lack of beds, said Director Mostafa Kamal.

Patient Mouli Mallik said severe body aches persisted despite some recovery, while Tanvir Sohel said he had spent around Tk 13,000 on medicines.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Monju, after inspecting hospitals and anti-dengue drives on Friday, called the situation “alarming”.

The KCC has divided the city’s 31 wards into three zones, intensified spraying and fogging, and stepped up efforts to identify mosquito breeding grounds.

It also plans awareness campaigns involving religious leaders, leaflet distribution and loudspeaker announcements.