More men affected, but women make up two-thirds of dengue deaths

Men account for most reported dengue cases this year, but women make up nearly two-thirds of the deaths.

Of the total cases, men accounted for 61.5%, compared with 38.5% for women, according to an analysis of data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) released on Thursday (6 August).

However, of the 59 deaths, 22 were men, and 37 were women.

A total of 18,129 dengue cases were reported across the country between 1 January and yesterday, according to a DGHS bulletin.

DGHS data also show that people aged 16 to 45 accounted for 11,766 cases, or around 66% of the total, making the working-age population the largest group of patients.

Why more women die

Public health expert Be-Nazir Ahmed said social factors could be contributing to the higher number of dengue deaths among women.

Women's healthcare still receives less priority in many families, often delaying treatment when they fall ill, said Be-Nazir, a former director of disease control at the DGHS.

"In dengue cases, delayed hospitalisation can lead to complications such as multi-organ failure. Once several organs fail, even intensive care support may not save the patient," he told The Business Standard.

He said there was no established evidence that hormones or other biological characteristics put women at greater risks of dying from dengue.

Although some hormones were found to have a protective effect on women during the Covid-19 pandemic, no similar scientific evidence had been established for dengue, he said.

Malnutrition and anaemia, which are more common among women, could have some effect, but strong scientific evidence was also lacking, he added.

Be-Nazir said early dengue testing and treatment for anyone with a fever could help reduce deaths.

Dengue may worsen

Reported dengue cases and deaths remained relatively low through May before rising in June and surging in July.

DGHS data show 2,907 hospital admissions and 13 deaths in June. The figures rose to 9,206 admissions and 36 deaths in July. In the first six days of August, 2,570 patients were admitted and five died.

In the 24 hours till yesterday morning, 249 new patients were admitted, while no deaths were reported.

Experts warn that the situation could worsen in August and September unless effective mosquito-control measures are taken.

Describing the overall situation as "not very good", Be-Nazir said heavy rainfall this year had created favourable conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.

"Infections may rise further in August. How much the situation deteriorates will depend on rainfall patterns and mosquito breeding towards the end of the month," he said.

If cases continue to rise in August, the effects may persist through September and October, he added.

Beyond Dhaka's city corporations

Around 75.4% of reported dengue cases this year were recorded outside the two Dhaka city corporations, while Dhaka North and Dhaka South together accounted for 24.6%.

Barishal Division recorded the highest number of cases at 3,657, followed by Chattogram Division with 3,084. Dhaka South reported 2,504 cases, Dhaka Division outside the city corporations 2,468, and Khulna Division 2,271.

Be-Nazir said dengue was previously concentrated mainly in Dhaka, but cases were now being reported across different parts of the country.

"Cases may be increasing gradually in individual areas, but together they could lead to a substantial rise nationwide," he said.

He urged city corporations, municipalities and other local authorities to strengthen Aedes mosquito-control measures.

Professor Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University, said the situation could worsen in August and September, particularly outside Dhaka.

Patients travelling long distances to Dhaka for treatment could develop further complications during the journey, he said.

"Dengue cannot be controlled through fogging alone," he told TBS.

He called for identifying breeding sites, destroying larvae and adopting targeted, evidence-based measures, alongside public involvement to curb the spread of Aedes mosquitoes.