Bangladesh Reports 1,147 New Dengue Cases, Five Deaths In 24 Hours

As per the data from the Ministry of Health, Bangladesh recorded 1,147 new dengue infections and five more related deaths in the past 24 hours.

With this, the total number of dengue cases recorded in November has risen to 2,960. The cumulative figure for the year now stands at 72,822 infections and 288 deaths, according to the ministry’s data.

Health officials noted that dengue, which has traditionally peaked during the monsoon months, is now spreading outside its usual June–September window, as reported by Xinhua.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes dengue as a mosquito-borne viral illness. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease spreads most rapidly in densely populated urban and semi-urban areas.

The disease is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, while Aedes albopictus also contributes to transmission in some areas.

There is currently no specific cure for dengue. However, early diagnosis and close monitoring of warning signs are crucial. Proper medical management can lower the fatality rate to below one per cent, according to WHO guidelines.

The first known dengue outbreak in Bangladesh occurred in the 1960s, when people called the illness ‘Dacca fever’.

Since 2010, cases have generally surged between May and September, coinciding with the rainy season and warmer temperatures.

Experts warn that Bangladesh’s changing climate, marked by heavier rainfall, flooding, stagnant water, and rising temperatures, has made conditions more favourable for mosquito breeding, increasing the spread of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

Dengue has now become endemic in Bangladesh, with frequent outbreaks causing serious public health challenges.

The disease often triggers large-scale epidemics, causing high rates of illness and death.

Health officials report that all four dengue virus serotypes circulate in the country.

Until 2016, DENV-1 and DENV-2 were the most common strains. However, after the 2019 outbreak, DENV-3 became dominant, and this year, health authorities report that DENV-2 has once again emerged as the prevailing strain.

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