Bangladesh is seeing a sharp rise in dengue cases and fatalities, with health experts warning that August could bring a far more severe outbreak if urgent measures are not taken.
Official data shows dengue has claimed 101 lives and infected 24,183 people so far this year, putting immense pressure on the country’s already stretched healthcare system. Deaths are climbing quickly — 19 have been recorded in August alone, following 41 in July, more than double June’s total of 19.
“The situation is critical. The virus is already widespread across the country, and without aggressive intervention, hospitals will be overwhelmed,” said Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University. He warned August could see triple July’s cases, with a possible peak in September.
Authorities are urging citizens to use mosquito repellents, sleep under nets, and remove stagnant water to curb mosquito breeding. Experts stress the need for coordinated spraying and community clean-up drives, especially in high-risk areas.
Climate change, warm humid weather, and intermittent rainfall have created ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes — the carriers of the dengue virus. While Dhaka remains the primary hotspot, cases are soaring in rural areas, straining healthcare facilities with limited capacity.
Doctors advise seeking early medical attention for severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue to reduce the risk of complications.
With the peak dengue season still ahead, health officials stress that community participation alongside government-led control measures will be vital in preventing a repeat of 2023 — the deadliest year on record, with 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 infections.
