Barguna sees alarming dengue spike even before monsoon begins

As Bangladesh braces for its annual dengue season, the southern district of Barguna is already witnessing an unprecedented crisis, with the highest rate of infections and deaths in the country so far this year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Barguna alone accounts for nearly 28% of all dengue hospitalisations nationwide to date. Of the 29 dengue-related deaths reported across the country this year, six occurred in Barguna – four of them on a single day, on 12 June.

The spike is especially concerning given the timing. In 2023, by 14 June, only 32 people had been admitted with dengue in Barguna, and no deaths were recorded. In 2024, the number surged to 194 admissions and one confirmed death by that same date.

Health experts say the country saw its highest number of dengue deaths and infections in 2023, but the early surge in Barguna has raised fears that 2024 could be even worse.

Entomologist Dr Kabirul Bashar from Jahangirnagar University, who has long studied mosquito-borne diseases, said the crisis in Barguna could have been avoided.

"We warned authorities last year that Barguna was at risk, but neither the local government nor the health department took adequate steps," he said.

He said there is a high concentration of Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, especially in homes where water is stored in clay pots and drums. "More than 50% of water containers here have larvae. This is just the beginning – the worst is likely in August and September."

Dr Bashar said, "It's not enough to spray insecticides. We must implement integrated mosquito management, identify breeding sites, and use larvicides and adulticides systematically."

Overcrowded hospitals, limited resources

Barguna Sadar Hospital, which has just 50 dedicated dengue beds, is currently treating 219 patients. Medical staff are reportedly overwhelmed, with patients occupying corridors and any available floor space.

"We've never seen such a dire situation this early in the season," said Dr Tajkia Siddiqua, the hospital's residential medical officer. "Even emergency rooms are full of people testing positive. In some households, nearly every member has contracted dengue."

She added that the outbreak's intensity was compounded by widespread waterlogging and poor sanitation. "There's stagnant water and waste around nearly every home. Though rivers surround us, drainage remains a major issue."

To handle the surge, six additional doctors and 10 nurses have been posted to the hospital. But Dr Tajkia said this still falls short of filling even 50% of required staffing.

Patients showing mild symptoms are being sent home after initial treatment to free up space. Families arriving at the hospital are often turned away or advised to manage care at home if possible.

Adult males most at risk

As per DGHS's daily bulletin released yesterday morning, 169 new dengue patients were hospitalised across the country in 24 hours, while one person died in Chattogram. Of those hospitalised, 101 were from Barishal Division – excluding Barishal city – and 54 of them from Barguna alone.

Nationally, from 1 January to 14 June, 5,739 people have been hospitalised with dengue. The Barishal Division has seen the highest number of cases at 2,589, followed by Dhaka South in terms of deaths, with 14 fatalities.

Men continue to account for most of the severe cases and deaths. Of the 29 people who died this year, 19 were men. Nine were aged between 36 and 50, while 10 were over 50 years old.