DAKAR: Bangladesh is grappling with its worst dengue outbreak in years, with more than 400 deaths, as rising temperatures and a longer monsoon season lead to a surge in infections, leaving hospitals struggling to cope, especially in urban areas.
At least 407 people died from complications linked to this phenomenon in 2024, with 78,595 patients admitted to hospital nationwide, according to the latest official figures.
As of mid-November, 4,173 patients were being treated, including 1,835 in the capital Dhaka and 2,338 elsewhere.
“We are witnessing monsoon-like rainfall even in October, which is unusual,” said Kabirul Bashar, professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University.
Climate change-driven changes have provided optimal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the main vector of the disease, he added.
“These seasonal changes create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.”
Population density in cities exacerbates the spread of the disease, which is generally more common during the monsoon season, from June to September, although it has spread beyond that window this year.
Rising temperatures and longer monsoons, both linked to climate change, have caused an increase in mosquito breeding, leading to rapid spread of the virus.
Bashar called for year-round vector surveillance in Bangladesh to monitor and control the disease.
If detected early and treated properly, deaths from dengue can be reduced to less than 1 percent, said renowned physician Dr ABM Abdullah, adding: “Early diagnosis and prevention are essential to control the disease. dengue. »
Last year was the deadliest on record in the current crisis, with 1,705 deaths and more than 321,000 infections reported.
The increasing frequency and severity of outbreaks are straining Bangladesh’s already overwhelmed health system as hospitals struggle to treat thousands of patients.
Health authorities have advocated precautions against mosquito bites, such as mosquito repellents and bed nets, while experts want stricter measures to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Delays in getting treatment, particularly among rural populations who have to travel long distances to specialized facilities in Dhaka, are adding to the toll, doctors said.
The disease often has only mild initial symptoms that go undiagnosed until patients are in critical condition.
