Bangladesh is experiencing its most severe dengue outbreak in recent memory, with over 400 deaths reported so far this year. Rising temperatures and an extended monsoon season have fueled a surge in infections, putting immense pressure on the country’s healthcare system, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Dhaka.
As of November, the official toll stands at 407 deaths, with a staggering 78,595 hospital admissions nationwide. Currently, 4,173 patients are being treated, with 1,835 in Dhaka and 2,338 in other parts of the country.
Zoology professor Kabirul Bashar from Jahangirnagar University noted that climate change is a key driver behind these conditions. “We’re witnessing monsoon-like rainfall even in October, which is unusual,” Bashar said, emphasizing that shifting weather patterns have created optimal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue. “These changes in the season are fostering ideal conditions for the mosquitoes to breed,” he added.
Dengue outbreaks typically coincide with the monsoon season from June to September, but this year has seen an unprecedented extension into the fall. The longer and warmer season has intensified mosquito breeding, accelerating the spread of the virus and alarming medical professionals.
Dr. ABM Abdullah, a well-respected physician, highlighted the importance of early intervention. “If detected early and treated properly, deaths from dengue can be reduced to less than 1%. Early diagnosis and prevention are key to controlling dengue,” he advised.
Bangladesh reported record numbers last year as well, with 1,705 deaths and more than 321,000 infections. This ongoing crisis continues to burden the country’s already strained healthcare system, with hospitals struggling to manage the influx of patients.
Health officials are urging the public to use mosquito repellents and bed nets, while experts advocate for aggressive measures to eliminate stagnant water sources where mosquitoes thrive. The challenge is compounded by delays in seeking medical treatment, especially among rural residents who face long journeys to specialized hospitals in Dhaka. Mild early symptoms often lead to late-stage diagnoses, contributing to the growing death toll.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for year-round mosquito monitoring and effective public health strategies to mitigate the spread of dengue and protect vulnerable populations.
