Bangladesh records the worst outbreak as dengue cases cross 300,000 mark

Bangladesh is grappling with an alarming surge in dengue fever cases, marking its worst outbreak yet, as media reports indicate the number of cases has surpassed 300,000.

According to data sourced from the Directorate General of Health Services and reported by sources, the nation has tallied a staggering 301,255 dengue infections and 1,549 deaths attributed to the viral disease in the current year.

On Sunday alone, 1,291 new cases of the viral fever were reported. Currently, hospitals nationwide are treating 4,949 patients, with Dhaka accounting for 1,127 cases.

September witnessed a staggering 79,598 dengue cases and 396 deaths, which followed after August’s 71,976 cases and 342 deaths, marking the highest outbreak. In October, 67,769 cases and 359 deaths were reported.

The first 19 days of November have registered 201 fatalities, accompanied by 30,080 new cases, indicating the persistence of the crisis.

Experts attribute the outbreak to a prolonged monsoon, rising temperatures, and ineffective measures to curb the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, notorious for transmitting the dengue virus.

A government-sponsored pre-monsoon survey in Dhaka revealed an alarming increase in the population of these mosquitoes, contributing to the worst outbreak witnessed in the last five years.

Last year, hospitals in Bangladesh reported 62,382 patients who were treated for the disease.

The death count however, stood at 281, which was the previous highest count since record-keeping began in the 1960s, according to the news portal.

Former chief entomologist at DGHS, Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, emphasized the importance of vector management and reducing breeding sources for Aedes mosquitoes in controlling dengue. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the adequacy of measures taken by authorities, as reported by sources.