Winter illnesses surge nationwide, doctors urge extra caution for children
95,378 patients were admitted to hospitals across the country with winter-related illnesses between 1 November and 30 December 2025
With the winter chill intensifying across Bangladesh, hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in cold-related illnesses, including pneumonia, acute respiratory infections (ARI), diarrhoea and other seasonal diseases. Doctors are urging extra caution for children, who are among the most vulnerable to these conditions.
According to data from the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services, a total of 95,378 patients were admitted to hospitals across the country with winter-related illnesses between 1 November and 30 December 2025. Of them, 66,854 were admitted with diarrhoea and 28,524 with respiratory infections.
During this period, 44 people died from winter-related illnesses – 40 from respiratory infections and four from diarrhoea.
The data also shows that from 8am on Friday to 8am on Saturday alone, 2,024 people were admitted to government hospitals nationwide with winter-related illnesses. Among them, 630 were admitted with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), and 1,413 with diarrhoea.
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In December 2025, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute reported a 42% increase in pneumonia cases and a 28% rise in diarrhoea cases compared to the same period in 2024.
Health department data further reveals that six districts – Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Chandpur – recorded comparatively higher incidences of winter-related diseases during November and December 2025, with Brahmanbaria reporting the highest number of diarrhoea cases.
Children are most vulnerable
As cold weather persists, winter-related illnesses among children are also on the rise. Dr Kamruzzaman Kamrul, associate professor at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, told The Business Standard that cases of ARI, pneumonia and bronchiolitis among children are increasing.
"Children with pre-existing respiratory problems face a higher risk during winter," he said.
Hospital data shows that on 30 December alone, outpatient departments treated 77 children for pneumonia, 199 for common cold, 14 for asthma and 61 for diarrhoea. At present, 44 children with pneumonia, seven with diarrhoea and seven with dengue are admitted to the hospital.
Between 22 and 30 December, within just nine days, 1,965 children received outpatient treatment for common cold, pneumonia and asthma, while 361 were treated for dengue. During this period, 395 children were admitted.
How to protect children
Dr Kamruzzaman advised parents to avoid taking children outdoors unnecessarily during winter. "School-going children should wear warm clothes, scarves and ear covers," he said, adding that parents should avoid giving children cold or unhygienic outside food.
He also recommended more frequent breastfeeding for infants during the winter months. If a child develops a cold or cough, parents should keep the nose clean and give warm water if needed.
Highlighting the warning signs of pneumonia, he said parents should seek immediate medical care if a child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest indrawing or rapid breathing.
He further noted that diarrhoea cases among children tend to increase in winter. For children older than six months, mashed raw banana or chicken meat may be given. However, he cautioned that if a child experiences frequent vomiting, loose stools or a worsening condition, immediate medical attention should be sought.
