The clouds in the sky may soothe nature, but as soon as the rains subside, darkness descends upon the corners of our homes. Every hospital is now filled with sighs and the wails of those who have lost their loved ones. The menacing claws of dengue are snatching away familiar faces, shattering the cherished dreams of happy families.

The dry ledger of statistics tells us that as of October 2 of this year, 82,761 people have been admitted to hospitals across the country. Yet during the same period last year, this number stood at 48,228. Within the span of a single year, the number of patients tossing and turning on hospital beds has surged by 72 percent! But hidden behind these numbers are the heart-rending cries of countless mothers, the empty laps of fathers, and a profound lament for lost family members.

The procession of death and tales of sighs

Many of those who rushed to hospitals in a desperate bid to save their lives never returned home. Compared to last year, deaths from dengue have increased by nearly 24 percent this year.

• As of October 2 of last year, 202 lives had been lost, whereas during the same period this year, the death toll has climbed to 250. • This means that within the span of just one year, we have lost another 48 vibrant lives forever. • According to data released by the Directorate General of Health Services on Friday, one more life was lost in Tangail in the past 24 hours, while 1,163 new patients are currently fighting for their lives in hospitals.

Where is the grief felt the most?

This fury of dengue has seemingly broken all bounds across the capital and various divisions. Dhaka remains at the top in terms of both infections and fatalities this year.

• Over 33,000 patients have been admitted to hospitals in Dhaka alone, with 116 lives lost. • Additionally, a deep shadow of grief has descended upon the Khulna division, where 47 people have died. • Although the fatality rate is comparatively lowest in the Sylhet division (only 1 death) and no new dengue patients were admitted in the Sylhet and Rajshahi divisions over the past 24 hours, panic continues to grip the entire nation. Currently, 5,650 people are wrestling with death in various hospitals across the country. Every single breath they take carries an intense yearning to survive.

Why this merciless outcome?

According to entomologists, continuous rainfall and changing weather patterns have created an environment highly favorable for mosquito breeding. A little negligence and lack of awareness are bringing the angel of death right to our doorsteps today.

Our small awareness can save a life:

• Ensure that stagnant water anywhere around the house does not remain for more than three days. • Use mosquito nets at all times—both day and night. • Even if a fever seems mild, do not ignore it; seek prompt medical attention.

The extinguishing of a single life means the light of an entire family is snuffed out forever. Let us become aware ourselves against this alarming dengue situation and make others aware. May not a single life be snuffed out prematurely ever again.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla