Dhaka, November 19, 2024 — Bangladesh is grappling with one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history, with at least 407 deaths and 78,595 hospital admissions reported so far this year, according to official data. Health authorities are treating 4,173 patients, with 1,835 in the capital Dhaka, and 2,338 elsewhere across the country.
The unrelenting surge in cases is attributed to changing climate patterns, which have extended the breeding season of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of dengue.
Climate Change Intensifies Crisis
Experts point to irregular monsoon patterns and rising temperatures as major drivers of the outbreak. “We’re witnessing monsoon-like rainfall even in October, which is unusual,” said Kabirul Bashar, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University. Se shifting wear patterns have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, with longer monsoons fostering stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
“Dense urban populations and extended breeding season are exacerbating spread,” Bashar added, calling for year-round vector surveillance to control the disease.
A Strained Healthcare System
the severity of the crisis is straining Bangladesh’s already overstretched healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals in Dhaka are inundated with patients, many requiring specialized care. Delay in seeking treatment, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited, is compounding toll.
“Early diagnosis and prevention are key to controlling dengue,” said Dr. ABM Abdullah, a leading physician. He emphasized that with timely treatment, dengue fatalities can be reduced to less than 1 percent.
However, the disease often presents mild initial symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis until the patient’s condition becomes critical.
A Deadly Trend
Last year, Bangladesh faced its deadliest dengue season, with 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 infections. Experts warn that this year’s outbreak could signal a troubling trend of increasingly severe dengue epidemics fueled by climate change.
Health officials are urging citizens to take precautions such as using mosquito repellents, installing bed nets, and eliminating stagnant water. Experts also advocate for more aggressive government action to tackle mosquito breeding sites.
A Long-Term Battle
growing frequency of dengue outbreaks highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to public health challenges posed by climate change. While immediate measures focus on treatment and prevention, experts like Bashar stress the importance of addressing root causes, including climate adaptation strategies and robust urban planning to mitigate the impact of extreme wear patterns.
As Bangladesh braces for the coming weeks, the outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of climate change, public health, and infrastructure preparedness in a densely populated nation of 170 million.
- Bangladesh deaths from dengue cross 400 as outbreak worsens DAWN.com
- Elderly man dies, 17 others infected with Dengue in Ctg Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
- Dengue: 8 patients die, 1,389 hospitalized in 24 hours Daily Bangladesh
