Dengue claims 49 lives in 8 days

Dengue cases are rising across Bangladesh, with infections spreading beyond urban areas into rural communities. The country has recorded 294 deaths and more than 94,000 cases so far this year, raising concerns among health experts as the outbreak intensifies.

September alone saw 43,774 infections and 148 deaths. Entomologists have warned that dengue cases could increase further from September to October.

Khulna is among the worst-affected divisions after Dhaka, with more than 15,000 cases and 59 deaths recorded this year. Ten people died in the division in the past seven days.

Hospitals are struggling to accommodate patients, with some receiving treatment on floors due to overcrowding.

Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns were under way to prevent the spread of dengue.

In Barishal division, more than 12,000 cases and 25 deaths have been recorded this year. Pirojpur has reported the highest number of infections in the division, followed by Jhalakathi and Barguna, said Dr Md Refayetul Haider, director of the Barishal Health Division.

Chattogram division has recorded more than 14,000 cases and 25 deaths, while Rajshahi has reported 6,458 infections. Sylhet has recorded the lowest number of cases among the divisions.

Entomologist Dr Kabirul Bashar said dengue cases could rise during September and October, stressing the need to strengthen public awareness.

Experts have also called for effective measures to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites in both urban and rural areas.

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