Bangladesh is grappling with its worst dengue outbreak in recent years, with over 400 fatalities recorded in 2024. Experts attribute the surge in cases to rising temperatures and an extended monsoon season, creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Urban areas, particularly Dhaka, have been hit hardest, leaving hospitals overwhelmed.
As of mid-November, official figures report 407 deaths and 78,595 hospitalizations due to dengue-related complications. Currently, 4,173 patients are receiving treatment, with 1,835 of them in the densely populated capital, Dhaka, and 2,338 in other parts of the country.
Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, highlights that erratic weather patterns linked to climate change have exacerbated the situation. “October saw monsoon-like rains, which is unusual,” he explained, noting that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary carrier of dengue, thrives in these altered conditions.
Densely packed cities further contribute to the rapid spread of the virus, which typically peaks during the June-to-September monsoon season but has extended well beyond that timeframe this year. Rising temperatures and prolonged monsoons, both tied to global climate change, have significantly fueled mosquito populations.
Dr. ABM Abdullah, a renowned physician, emphasized that early detection and treatment can reduce dengue fatalities to less than 1%. “Early diagnosis and preventative measures are crucial,” he said.
In 2023, Bangladesh reported its deadliest dengue year, with 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 infections. This escalating crisis continues to strain the nation’s healthcare system, with hospitals struggling to accommodate the growing number of patients.
Health experts recommend using mosquito repellents, bed nets, and stricter measures to eliminate stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed. Delayed treatment, particularly in rural areas with limited access to specialized healthcare facilities, remains a significant challenge. Many patients develop severe symptoms only after the disease progresses, further increasing the risk of fatalities.
Year-round mosquito surveillance and proactive public health strategies are critical to combating dengue outbreaks in the future, according to experts.
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