Bangladesh Battles Worst Dengue Outbreak in Years as Deaths Exceed 400
DHAKA, Nov 17 — Bangladesh is grappling with its most severe dengue outbreak in recent years, as the death toll surpasses 400 amid an escalating surge in infections. The prolonged monsoon season and rising temperatures are exacerbating the crisis, overwhelming hospitals, especially in urban areas.
As of the latest official data, at least 407 people have died from dengue-related complications in 2024, with over 78,000 patients hospitalized nationwide. By mid-November, 4,173 patients were being treated, including 1,835 in Dhaka, the capital, and 2,338 in other regions.
“We are experiencing unusual monsoon-like rainfall even in October,” said Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University. “Climate change is shifting weather patterns, creating ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the disease.”
These shifting weather patterns, characterized by rising temperatures and extended rainy seasons, have led to a dramatic increase in mosquito breeding, resulting in a rapid spread of the virus. While dengue is typically associated with the monsoon season from June to September, this year’s outbreak has extended well beyond that window.
Urban areas with dense populations are particularly vulnerable, as they provide fertile ground for the virus to spread. Health experts are calling for year-round surveillance and mosquito control measures to combat the ongoing crisis.
Dr. ABM Abdullah, a prominent physician, emphasized that early detection and proper treatment can reduce dengue-related fatalities to under 1%. “Early diagnosis and prevention are crucial in controlling this disease,” he said.
The outbreak is already more severe than last year’s, which was the deadliest on record, with 1,705 deaths and more than 321,000 infections. The recurring nature of the outbreaks continues to strain Bangladesh’s overwhelmed healthcare system, as hospitals struggle to manage the surge of patients.
Health authorities are urging the public to take precautions against mosquito bites, including using repellents and sleeping under bed nets. Experts are also calling for more aggressive action to eliminate stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed.
One of the major challenges remains delayed treatment, particularly in rural areas where patients must travel long distances to reach specialized facilities in Dhaka. Early symptoms of dengue can be mild, and many patients only seek treatment when their condition has already become critical.