The dengue outbreak has worsened this year compared to previous years. Statistics show that both infections and fatalities in the first nine days of October have already surpassed those of the previous three months.
Analysis of dengue data from January to October 9, 2025, reveals a steady monthly rise in both cases and deaths.
According to experts, the current spell of alternating rain and sunshine is highly favorable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue. They fear that this year's outbreak could reach the severity of 2019.
According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 5,951 dengue patients were hospitalized in June, with 19 deaths. In July, 10,684 were admitted and 41 died. August saw 10,496 hospitalizations and 39 deaths, while in September, the numbers jumped to 15,866 hospitalizations and 76 deaths. In just the first nine days of October, 5,543 patients were admitted and 26 died.
Experts noted that dengue cases began to surge from May this year. Intermittent rainfall has led to stagnant water accumulation in streets, houses, discarded plastic items, food packets and coconut shells - creating ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
Jahangirnagar University teacher and entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar said, "The outbreak had subsided for a while, but rainfall has fuelled its resurgence. It may continue to rise in October. While the situation may not be as bad as in 2023, it could resemble 2019."
DGHS data show that in 2019, 101,374 people were infected and 164 died. From January to October 9 this year, 52,885 patients have been hospitalized and 224 have died. Although the number of infections is still lower than in 2019, deaths in the first nine months are nearly the same.
In comparison, 28,429 people were infected and 105 died in 2021. In 2022, there were 62,382 infections and 281 deaths. The 2023 outbreak was the deadliest in Bangladesh's history, with 321,179 infections and 1,705 deaths. In 2024, 101,214 people were infected and 575 died. So far in 2025, there have been 52,885 infections and 224 deaths.
Age-based data show that most dengue patients this year are between 21 and 30 years old, accounting for around 9,500 cases. Experts believe this is because people in this age group are more active and thus more exposed to mosquitoes.
Public health expert and Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Adviser Dr Mohammad Mushtuq Husain said, "If cleanliness drives involving students were launched nationwide, there could have been a visible improvement. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. People must also ensure that flower pots and containers at home do not retain stagnant water."
Meanwhile, DGHS Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Dr Moinul Ahsan urged all citizens to test for dengue immediately upon developing a fever.
"Anyone with a fever should undergo a dengue test at the nearest hospital right away, and if diagnosed, consult with physicians without delay," he said.
He also warned that late hospitalization is making it difficult to treat severe cases, urging everyone to seek treatment before the disease becomes complicated.
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