A sharp rise in diarrhea cases in Chuadanga, particularly among children, is stretching the capacity of local hospitals. Due to rotavirus outbreaks and weather-related conditions, Chuadanga Sadar Hospital has been flooded with patients. Medical staff are reportedly struggling to cope with the influx.

Over the past week, the hospital has admitted a total of 283 patients to its diarrhea ward. Most of the patients are either young children or the elderly. Additionally, over 200 people are being treated daily as outpatients between morning and midday.

According to sources from the diarrhea ward, from December 3rd to December 10th, 283 patients were admitted, with the ward becoming particularly crowded by the afternoon of December 9th, when more than 43 patients, mostly children, were receiving treatment.

Palli Khatun, a mother from Gaidghat village, shared her experience of admitting her eight-month-old son to the hospital after he developed diarrhea three days ago. "There are so many patients that it's becoming difficult to stay here, but I have no choice but to stay until my son recovers," she said.

Nazma Khatun, a mother from Chuadanga municipal area, brought her daughter to the hospital after she experienced severe diarrhea and vomiting for two days. "Though the hospital has provided saline and other medicines, they don’t have saline sets or cannulas. We had to buy those from outside," Nazma explained.

Dr. Rakib Sadi, the residential medical officer of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, acknowledged the shortage, saying, "We have an adequate supply of cholera saline and necessary medicines, but we are currently out of saline sets and cannulas. We expect new supplies to arrive soon."

Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Milon, a junior consultant in pediatrics at the hospital, confirmed that many of the recent cases are caused by rotavirus, particularly among children. "Due to rotavirus and the cold weather, children are more vulnerable to various illnesses, especially diarrhea. Since there is no specific medicine for rotavirus, children generally suffer for four to five days before the virus subsides and they recover."

He also emphasized the importance of taking extra precautions to prevent the spread of the illness. "Children should not be fed stale food, and parents should avoid giving them outside food as much as possible. Special care is needed during this time to prevent further infections," Dr. Milon advised. He stressed that without increased awareness about hygiene, particularly regarding unsafe street food, controlling the diarrhea outbreak will be difficult.

Dr. Milon further advised parents to breastfeed infants up to six months of age and to avoid feeding anything other than breast milk. "Parents should continue breastfeeding and ensure their children remain warm and safe. Khichuri should also be given with caution," he added.

The growing number of cases highlights the urgent need for proper medical supplies and public health awareness to prevent further escalation of the diarrhea outbreak.