Around 150 children in Monywa have been hospitalised since an outbreak of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) hit the Sagaing Division city. To date, 15 have died this year, according to Monywa General Hospital.

Dr Nyunt Than, chief medical officer at the hospital, said on Monday that the institute’s children’s ward was only built to house 80 patients at a time, and was now struggling amid shortage of space.

“We have nearly 200 patients in the children’s ward alone, and are having difficulties with space,” he said. “However, it is important to detect the early warning signs of shock, so our patients must be kept under close watch by the hospital staff. It is uncomfortable for the children as they are all cramped in.”

The doctor said that adults were also suffering with DHF and that the number of patients between January and August this year has swollen to about four times that of the same period last year.

“In 2014, we recorded 393 patients with DHF, but this year we have had around 1,650 cases already,” he said, adding that in May, the hospital took in 121 patients with dengue; 565 in June; 880 in July; and 311 to date this month.

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The Monywa doctor advised local residents to take prevention measures such as: keeping water containers sealed to prevent mosquitoes breeding; and seeking medical treatment immediately for any suspected DHF cases.

Meanwhile, he urged government authorities to spray pesticide in the outbreak areas.