Diarrhoea breaks out at Nandigram, children mostly affected

NANDIGRAM, BOGURA, Jan 30: The incidence of winter diarrhoea has increased in Nandigram Upazila of Bogura, with children accounting for the majority of those affected. On an average, five to six children are being admitted to hospital daily with diarrhoeal illness.

According to data from the Upazila Health Complex, a total of 144 children were admitted to the indoor ward for treatment between January 1 and January 26. In addition, many patients received treatment at the outpatient department.

A visit to the 31-bed Nandigram Upazila Health Complex in Bijrul revealed that most of the admitted patients were suffering from diarrhoea. Physicians said the outbreak has been fuelled by the dry winter weather, which creates favourable conditions for viral transmission, as well as the consumption of contaminated water and food.
Bipul, the father of 13-month-old Vibha, has been staying at the hospital for the past four days. He said his daughter had been suffering from frequent diarrhoea for two days. "We initially treated her at home, but as her condition worsened, we had to admit her to the hospital," he added.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (Acting) Dr Md Iqbal Mahmud said that children are more prone to diarrhoea during winter due to rotavirus infection. He advised parents to protect children from cold exposure and ensure they are given oral rehydration solution in case of diarrhoea.

He also warned that consuming raw date palm sap during winter can lead to Nipah virus infection and urged people to avoid drinking it.