Dengue may persist until winter

Reza Mahmud :

With dengue outbreaks escalating towards the end of the monsoon season, public health experts have warned of a potentially severe health crisis and urged the government to take stronger, coordinated measures to curb the spread of the disease across Bangladesh.

Specialists expressed concern that the Aedes mosquito, the primary vector of dengue, has now spread across the country, whereas in previous years it was largely confined to city corporation areas. They cautioned that the outbreak may persist – and even intensify – for another two months.

Speaking to The New Nation on Tuesday, public health expert
Dr Lenin Chowdhury said: “Government authorities must strengthen their efforts in a coordinated way to contain the dengue outbreak.

It is not the responsibility of just one or two departments. Eliminating breeding sites, particularly in waterlogged areas, and monitoring them closely is essential.”

Former Director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, also voiced alarm. “Severe fevers are being reported across the country.

Many cases may not be diagnosed as dengue due to limitations in testing. The government must take decisive action to contain the outbreak,” he said, urging citizens to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves.

Experts noted that in recent years dengue has extended beyond the monsoon and into the winter months, raising fears that outbreaks could continue well past their usual seasonal peak.

Complications often emerge five to seven days after fever subsides, and specialists advise patients to remain cautious during this period.

“The dengue mosquito breeds in clean water and typically bites during the day,” explained a source at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). “Once heavy rainfall decreases, mosquito larvae hatch, causing cases to rise sharply.

This is why the situation is likely to remain serious for at least two months after the rains stop. Climate change is also contributing to this trend.”

Health officials stressed that effective mosquito control is key to reducing infections. Preventive steps such as removing stagnant water, using nets while sleeping, and ensuring children wear protective clothing were strongly advised.

The DGHS reported 357 new dengue cases across the country in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning. Of these, 71 patients were admitted in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 67 under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 49 in Dhaka division outside the capital, 55 in Chattogram division, 46 in Barishal, 26 each in Khulna and Rajshahi, 15 in Mymensingh, and two in Sylhet.

So far this year, 105 people have died from dengue in Bangladesh. By comparison, last year the mosquito-borne disease claimed 575 lives and affected more than 101,000 people nationwide.

Health experts have urged both the authorities and the public to act together to contain the spread. “Without coordinated government measures and personal protection, dengue will remain beyond control,” one expert warned.