Dhaka: The dengue outbreak has worsened this year compared to previous years. Statistics show that both infections and fatalities in the first nine days of October have already surpassed those of the previous three months. Analysis of dengue data from January to October 9, 2025, reveals a steady monthly rise in both cases and deaths.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, experts attribute the escalation of the dengue outbreak to the current spell of alternating rain and sunshine, which is highly conducive for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the vectors of dengue. They express concern that this year's outbreak could mirror the severity of 2019.
Data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) indicates a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths. In June, 5,951 dengue patients were hospitalized, with 19 deaths. July saw 10,684 admissions and 41 fatalities. In August, 10,496 individuals were hospitalized and 39 died, while September recorded 15,866 hospitalizations and 76 deaths. The first nine days of October alone accounted for 5,543 hospitalizations and 26 deaths.
Experts observed that dengue cases began to surge from May, as intermittent rainfall led to stagnant water accumulation in various environments, creating ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
Jahangirnagar University teacher and entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar remarked that the outbreak had subsided temporarily but was reignited by the rainfall. He cautioned that the situation might persist through October, potentially resembling the severe outbreak of 2019.
DGHS data from 2019 showed 101,374 infections and 164 deaths. From January to October 9 this year, 52,885 patients have been hospitalized and 224 have died. While infections are still below the 2019 levels, deaths in the first nine months are nearly equivalent.
In 2021, there were 28,429 infections and 105 deaths, whereas 2022 witnessed 62,382 infections and 281 deaths. The 2023 outbreak was the deadliest in Bangladesh's history, with 321,179 infections and 1,705 deaths. In 2024, 101,214 people were infected and 575 died. So far in 2025, there have been 52,885 infections and 224 deaths.
Age-based data indicates that individuals aged 21 to 30 are the most affected, with around 9,500 cases. Experts suggest this age group is more exposed to mosquitoes due to their active lifestyle.
Public health expert and Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Adviser Dr Mohammad Mushtuq Husain emphasized the importance of cleanliness drives involving students, which could have mitigated the outbreak. He stressed the need for individuals to ensure that household items like flower pots do not retain stagnant water.
DGHS Director (Hospitals and Clinics) Dr Moinul Ahsan advised citizens to undergo dengue testing immediately upon experiencing fever and to consult physicians without delay. He highlighted the challenges of treating severe cases due to late hospitalizations and urged timely medical intervention.