Dengue situation worsened

Reza Mahmud:

Bangladesh continues to grapple with a worrying surge in dengue infections as nine more patients succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease in the past 24 hours till Sunday morning. During this period, a total of 1,042 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across the country, according to a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The DGHS data shows that dengue has spread across all divisions, with significant regional variations in case numbers. In the last 24 hours, 195 patients were hospitalised in Barishal division, 104 in Chattogram, 201 in Dhaka division outside the two city corporations, 198 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and 121 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Meanwhile, 72 patients were admitted in Khulna, 41 in Mymensingh, 82 in Rajshahi, 23 in Rangpur, and five in Sylhet division.

Public health experts blamed lack of coordinated efforts to eliminate mosquitoes menace saying these are behind the worsening dengue and chikunguiniya situation across the country.
When contacted, former Adviser of World Health Organisation (WHO) Professor Dr. M. Muzaherul Huq, told The New Nation, “The dengue situation worsen due to lack of coordinated initiatives.

The breeding hubs of Aedes mosquitoes are remaining untouched in the localities, which is responsible for sharp spreading of the dengue and chikunguniya.”

The expert said as the Aedes mosquitoes now spread across the country, strong combined efforts was a significant to fight against spreading the disease.

Eminent public health expert Dr. Lenin Chowdhury told The New Nation, “Intermittent rain and unconscious activities of the people are behind the sharp spreading of dengue and chikunguniya across the country.”
He said, in case of incessant rain the water mosquitoes larvae used to washed out, but intermittent rain cause stagnant water which creates safe mosquitoes breeding hub and spread the disease.

Sources said, with the latest hospitalisations, the total number of dengue cases reported in Bangladesh this year has climbed to 59,907, while the death toll has risen to 212. During the same 24-hour period, 998 patients were discharged from various hospitals after recovery. By comparison, last year saw the highest dengue toll in the country’s history – 1,01,214 cases and 575 deaths, as per DGHS statistics.

Experts warn that the situation could deteriorate further if effective measures are not taken immediately to curb mosquito breeding. Dengue is caused by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which thrive in clean, stagnant water commonly found in urban environments. These mosquitoes bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, and can transmit the dengue virus when they bite an infected person and then another healthy individual.

Urbanisation, poor waste management, and erratic rainfall patterns-exacerbated by climate change-have created a perfect breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes in Bangladesh’s major cities. The accumulation of rainwater in discarded containers, flowerpots, rooftops, construction sites, and clogged drains provides ideal sites for mosquito larvae to develop. Inadequate vector control, irregular fogging, and lack of public awareness further aggravate the situation each year, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods from June to October.

Adding to the public health concern, Chikungunya, another viral disease transmitted by the same Aedes mosquitoes, has also been reported sporadically in different parts of the country. Although chikungunya is less fatal than dengue, it causes severe joint pain, fever, and rash, often leading to long-term discomfort and reduced productivity. Experts note that the coexistence of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks poses diagnostic challenges, as both diseases share similar symptoms in their early stages.

Health authorities have urged people to remain vigilant and take preventive measures-such as cleaning water containers weekly, using mosquito nets and repellents, and ensuring proper waste disposal-to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The DGHS also emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from city corporations, local governments, and communities to sustain effective vector control programs.

Public health experts reiterate that without community awareness and timely preventive action, Bangladesh may continue to face recurring dengue and chikungunya outbreaks that strain the health system and cost hundreds of lives each year.
Nine more dead, over 1,000 hospitalised