Young adults account for half of all dengue deaths this year
As of this morning (8 November), 983 new patients had been admitted in the previous 24 hours, though no new deaths were reported during that time
Dengue has claimed 307 lives so far this year, with more than 77,000 cases reported across Bangladesh. Alarmingly, 53% of those who died were young people.
Public health experts have called this high death toll from a preventable disease "a matter of national shame," urging coordinated action to control the outbreak.
According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 53% of dengue-related deaths occurred among people aged 16 to 40. Additionally, 15% of those who died from dengue were children.
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Experts say the surge in dengue cases is driven by three key factors — climate change, irregular mosquito control efforts, and lack of public awareness. In Dhaka and other regions, authorities have failed to take sustained and effective measures to curb mosquito breeding.
As of this morning (8 November), 983 new patients had been admitted in the previous 24 hours, though no new deaths were reported during that time.
Public health expert Dr M Mushtaq Hossain said, "The key to dengue prevention is destroying mosquito breeding sites and maintaining cleanliness. We are removing one tonne of garbage, but ten tonnes are piling up. Routine cleaning is not enough — we need a nationwide cleanliness drive with thousands of volunteers."
He noted that lingering rainfall has created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
Even after the rain stops, dengue will continue for at least two months — infections will peak in the first month and gradually decline in the next. He predicted, warning that the outbreak may persist until mid-January.
"Dengue is a preventable disease, yet people are dying — that's shameful. We have trained healthcare workers and modern treatment facilities, but deaths continue because we are not working in a coordinated way," added Dr Mushtuq.
Dengue Shock Syndrome was the leading cause of death, followed by Expanded Dengue Syndrome, DGHS said.
Dr Mushtaq emphasised the need to ensure hospital accommodation for poor patients at district and city levels, especially when beds are unavailable in major hospitals. If patients who cannot afford mosquito nets are kept under nets in hospitals, transmission will drop significantly.
He also called for three simultaneous actions — eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting patients, and making the environment hostile for mosquitoes.
City corporations' activities to control mosquitoes
The Dhaka South City Corporation held an emergency meeting on Thursday to strengthen its efforts against Aedes mosquitoes. The meeting decided to form ward-based monitoring teams with the inclusion of local residents to ensure the effective application of adulticide and larvicide used in mosquito control. These ward-level teams will be responsible for planning and confirming the local schedules for applying mosquito-control chemicals.
Dhaka South City Corporation's Chief Health Officer, Dr Nishat Parveen, told The Business Standard: "This year, dengue infections and deaths in Dhaka South City are much lower. We are carrying out very expensive operations. Moreover, the dengue patient list provided by DG Health for Dhaka South City is not accurate.
"So far, 28 people have died and around 700 patients have been hospitalised in our area. As soon as we receive the list, our teams go to the corresponding addresses and carry out mosquito eradication activities."
She added, "It's not possible for us to keep the city completely dengue-free during the dengue season. In some areas, mosquito infestations are increasing, and we are conducting special drives there. Due to changes in weather and continuous operations, the intensity of dengue will gradually decrease."
Dhaka North City Corporation also reported a significant reduction in Aedes mosquito infestation compared to last year. The DNCC is conducting special drives, including hotspot identification.
Dhaka North Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said, "At the beginning of this monsoon, we held meetings with experts. We tried to implement their recommendations throughout the year.
Analysis of recent data shows that both dengue cases and deaths have decreased compared to previous years. However, even a single death from dengue is unacceptable to us. Despite limited manpower, we are trying our best to provide maximum service."
Highlighting the shortage of manpower, the administrator said, "According to international standards, 2.3 public health workers are needed per 1,000 residents. But in our case, we have only one worker for every 11,000 residents — which is far below the required level."
To reduce fatalities, he urged stronger primary healthcare and widespread dengue testing. As soon as fever appears, dengue tests should be made free or affordable through government initiatives. Early detection will help people take timely precautions. Awareness, accessible testing, and treatment for the poor are now most urgent.
DGHS Director General Prof Dr Md Abu Jafor told The Business Standard, "Mosquito control is crucial to tackling dengue, along with individual awareness. People must seek medical advice immediately after developing a fever. If patients come late, there is very little we can do."
He added that authorities are strengthening responses in high-risk areas, ensuring adequate saline supplies in hospitals, and offering free NS1 tests.
If people do not act responsibly, managing the situation will be difficult, he warned.
Currently, 993 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals in Dhaka, and 2,740 across the country.
