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“We thought it was just a regular fever and only took him to the doctor when his belly became swollen,” said his mother, Chadni Akter.

Like these patients, many others in critical condition are being admitted to general wards at Mitford Hospital, most of them arriving late and only getting tested three or more days after fever began.

According to findings of the Directorate General of Health Services released on September 22, 81 percent of dengue patients who died this year were admitted to hospitals only after suffering from fever for three or more days.

The report also shows that 74 percent of patients died within 48 hours of admission, while 50 percent succumbed to Dengue Shock Syndrome. Around 43 percent of the deceased had comorbidities.

“If a dengue patient arrives at the hospital in the final stage, even if measures are taken, they are usually not effective,” said Prof Md Abu Jafor, director general of DGHS.

Health officials stressed that early testing and timely hospitalisation are crucial.

Although DGHS has instructed hospitals to designate separate wards for dengue patients, Mitford authorities said they are prioritising only severe cases.

Dr Md Mafizur Rahman, assistant director (finance and store) at Mitford Hospital, told The Daily Star on Thursday, “We have separate beds in each ward for dengue patients and adequate logistics and doctors. On Thursday, the number of dengue patients stood at 53. If the number rises significantly, we have separate arrangements ready.”

Dr HM Nazmul Ahsan, associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, recommended early admission for elderly patients, those with comorbidities, and expecting women to reduce risks.

He also warned about cross-infection from different dengue serotypes, which can cause severe complications if treatment is delayed.