Five people have died of dengue and 534 newly attacked people have been hospitalised across the country in last 24 hours. The Directorate General of Health Services reported that among the newly hospitalised patients, 205 were in Dhaka, 37 in Barishal, 113 in Chattogram, 59 in Khulna, 17 in Mymensingh, 18 in Rajshahi, and one in Rangpur.
This year, the total number of dengue patients hospitalised nationwide has reached 16,819, with 102 deaths reported.
Currently, 1,664 dengue patients are receiving treatment, including 938 in Dhaka and 726 in other regions. Since 2000, the health directorate has tracked dengue cases and fatalities, with 2023 recording a peak of 321,179 hospitalisations and 1,705 deaths.
The deceased this year ranged from 16 to 50 years old, including three women and two men. Deaths have occurred throughout the year, with the highest numbers in August (27) and the first ten days of September (19). The highest numbers were reported from Dhaka South City Corporation, followed by Chattogram division. Women account for 52 per cent of the deaths.
In Dharmadah Village, Adabaria Union, Daulatpur Upazila of Kushtia, dengue is spreading with at least 25 people affected, including the recent death of 75-year-old Meher Ali. The first case in this area was identified in mid-August, and the situation has worsened since. Affected individuals are being treated in local health facilities in Kushtia, Meherpur and Rajshahi. Local authorities are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Kabirul Bashar, professor of medical entomology at Jahangirnagar University, noted a significant change in dengue patterns.
Traditionally, dengue subsided by September, but last year saw a peak in October. "The disease is now a year-long issue rather than a monsoon-related one," said Bashar, also a member of the National Anti-Dengue Committee. He attributed this shift to climate change affecting temperature, rainfall, and mosquito breeding cycles.
Bashar's research indicates that Aedes mosquitoes, which carry dengue, now breed in both clean and dirty water sources, including saline seawater. "Unusually consistent rains during the off-season and mosquitoes broadening their breeding grounds create a double whammy," he said.
Additionally, entomologists have found that the two most commonly used insecticides, malathion and temephos, have become ineffective against Aedes mosquitoes due to resistance. "These insecticides have lost their efficacy, and their continued use provides minimal control," said Md Golam Sharower, professor at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine.
Bashar advocates for a comprehensive five-year plan to control and eventually eradicate the Aedes mosquito population.
"Without such a plan, the situation will only worsen in the coming years," he warned.
