Dhaka
Dengue has claimed 51 lives in Bangladesh this year, alarming health officials and citizens. The mosquito-borne disease is spreading faster than in previous years, with cases reported in 60 districts, more than in 2023 and 2024.
The Directorate General of Health Services reported three new deaths and 425 hospitalisations in just 24 hours. Since January, a total of 13,188 people have been infected. The worst-hit areas include Barishal, Chattogram, and various parts of Dhaka.
Health experts blame the rise in dengue cases on poor mosquito control and a lack of awareness efforts. Since August 2024, many local leaders have been absent, stopping important prevention work. Without these ground-level actions, the number of Aedes mosquitoes has grown rapidly.
Dr. Kabirul Bashar, an expert from Jahangirnagar University, said that the chain of command among public health officials is broken. This has left communities without protection, making it easier for dengue to spread.
Dengue is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and remains a major threat in Bangladesh. Experts say without urgent government action and better medical support, the situation could get worse in the coming months.