JHENIDAH, JAN 29: Chicken pox has broken out in an epidemic form in the six upazilas of Jhenidah recently. According to informed sources, the disease has taken a serious turn in the district town and the adjacent areas. Members of almost all the families, including children, pregnant women and elderly persons, have been attacked with the disease. The disease broke out about half month ago and it is spreading day by day in the district. An official of Jhenidah Sadar Hospital and Family Welfare Office said in the middle of the winter season about 8,000 to 10,000 people in sadar upazila have been attacked with the disease creating panic among the common people. A huge number of patients is coming to hospitals and health complexes for taking treatment everyday but nothing can stop the disease. No curative medicine is available for the treatment of the disease, a specialist said. He added that it is a complicated disease. So if someone is attacked with it, others have to stay away from him or her. The person attacked with the disease must avoid adulterated food and unsafe drinking water. Shamim, an indoor patient of chicken pox in Jhenidah Sadar Hospital, told the correspondent that his whole body burns and he cannot sleep at night. Local sources said that there is no medicine in the health complexes of the six upazilas of the district for the treatment of the affected people. Residential Physician of Jhenidah Sadar Hospital Rashed-Al-Mamun told the Independent that it is a seasonal disease. Anyone can be attacked with it at any time, especially this time. People have to be alert about the disease and take necessary steps to be cured as early as possible. The patients have been given prescriptions and advice instead of necessary medicines. But the poor people have no ability to purchase medicines and they are suffering. On the other hand, prices of medicines have gone up affecting the people of the fixed income groups. Jhenidah District Civil Surgeon’s office sources said they are well-prepared to take action against the disease. They consent about their lacking. The affected people have urged the authorities concerned to take immediate measures to control the spread of the disease. Another report adds : A total of 50 brilliant students of Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) from six upazilas of the district were rewarded by NGO Sacheton Nagorik Somaj at Jhenidah Government Boys School on January 24. Jhenidah Deputy Commissiner Khaza Abdul Hannan was present as chief guest at the award giving ceremony. President of Sacheton Nagorik Somaj, Shorifatun Nesa, former principal of Jhenidah Women College, NM Shahjalal, president of Jhenidah Mohila Porishad Monwara Khatun, Mojibor Rahman, Fahad Ahmed were also present there. Among others, a number of students, local elites, teachers from various schools, employees and journalists were present there. The speakers said that the brilliant students are the main builders of our country. They have to be more disciplined, punctual, dedicated to work. At the end of the programme the chief guest disrtibuted crests to the brilliant students. (Source: The Independent) (Link:http://www.theindependentbd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153233:chicken-pox-breaks-out-in-jhenidah&catid=95:national&Itemid=141)