Bangladesh: Dengue infection rate 81% higher, situation alarming

In Bangladesh, the dengue situation has reached alarming levels, with health authorities confirming 12 deaths in a single day, the highest toll reported so far this season. With the latest fatalities, the nationwide dengue death toll has risen to 179 since January. Health authorities reported 740 new hospital admissions during the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases this year to 48,831. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has revealed that over half of this year’s dengue fatalities occurred within 24 hours of hospital admission. Officials attributed the alarming trend to delayed access to treatment. The disclosure came at a press briefing on the dengue situation, held at the DGHS headquarters on Monday.

Hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, as thousands remain admitted with dengue fever. Doctors report that many cases are turning severe due to delayed treatment and a shortage of hospital beds. The DGHS also reported a sharp rise in infections in rural areas, raising concerns that the outbreak is spreading beyond urban centres.In September alone, 57 people died -- the highest of any month this year. The death tolls in August and July were 39 and 41. The country has seen a sharp year-on-year surge in dengue, with cases up 81 percent and deaths 43 percent.

Health experts attribute the surge to prolonged monsoon rains, poor waste management, and inadequate mosquito control measures. Public health specialists warn that without stronger preventive measures, the crisis could deepen in the coming weeks. Dengue remains a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, with the current wave highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts to control the spread of the disease.