Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh is facing an unprecedented public health crisis as it grapples with the most severe outbreak of dengue fever in its history, with the number of cases soaring beyond the 300,000 mark. According to reports from the Directorate General of Health Services, the nation has recorded a staggering 301,255 cases of dengue and 1,549 deaths attributed to the viral disease this year. Hospitals nationwide are currently treating 4,949 patients, with the capital city, Dhaka, accounting for 1,127 cases.
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The alarming statistics reveal a relentless surge in dengue cases throughout the year. September witnessed an unprecedented 79,598 cases and 396 deaths, followed by August with 71,976 cases and 342 deaths, marking the highest outbreak in recent history. October reported 67,769 cases and 359 deaths. In the latest update, 1,291 new cases of the viral fever were reported on Sunday alone.
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The first 19 days of November have seen an additional 30,080 new cases and 201 fatalities, underscoring the persistent nature of the crisis. Experts attribute the outbreak to a combination of factors, including a prolonged monsoon, rising temperatures, and inadequate measures to control the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the dengue virus. A pre-monsoon survey in Dhaka sponsored by the government showed a concerning increase in the mosquito population, contributing to the worst outbreak in the last five years. The untimely rain as a result of Cyclone Midhili has further worsened the situation, favoring an ideal environment for mosquito breeding.
Last year, hospitals in Bangladesh reported 62,382 patients treated for dengue, with a death toll of 281, the previous highest count since record-keeping began in the 1960s. Former chief entomologist at DGHS, Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, highlighted the significance of vector management and minimizing breeding sources for Aedes mosquitoes to control dengue. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the adequacy of measures taken by authorities. Further, the lack of effective mosquito control activities is identified as a major contributing factor to the current rise in dengue cases. Urgent calls are being made for robust public health measures to control the spread of the disease and ensure adequate medical care for those affected, given the escalating death toll and hospitalization rates.
