Why is Bangladesh Facing 51 Dengue Deaths Amid Healthcare Failures?
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Synopsis
In Bangladesh, 51 dengue-related deaths have been reported this year, marking a troubling rise. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and lack of awareness campaigns are exacerbating the situation. With cases rising in over 60 districts, experts warn of a public health crisis. What steps can be taken to combat this disease effectively?
Key Takeaways
- 51 dengue deaths reported in Bangladesh this year.
- Dengue cases span across 60 districts.
- Experts cite inadequate control measures as a major factor.
- Immediate action required to curb the disease.
- Public health awareness is critically lacking.
Dhaka, July 9 (NationPress) A total of 51 fatalities attributed to dengue have been documented throughout Bangladesh since the onset of this year, reflecting a significant rise when compared to the previous two years.
As of Tuesday, dengue infections have been reported from 60 districts across the South Asian country. In the same timeframe in 2024, cases were noted in 54 districts, while the figure for 2023 stood at 56.
This rapid and extensive spread of the virus has raised alarming health issues, as reported by local media on Wednesday.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh indicated that three additional individuals succumbed to dengue in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, raising the death toll from this mosquito-borne illness to 51 in 2025.
Moreover, 425 new patients were admitted to hospitals nationwide, increasing the total number of infections to 13,188 since January.
The newly reported cases span various regions, including 120 in Barishal, 98 in Chattogram, 36 in Dhaka Division (outside city areas), 38 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 55 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 18 in Khulna, 11 in Mymensingh, 48 in Rajshahi, and 1 in Sylhet.
Experts have linked the surge in cases to insufficient anti-mosquito initiatives and the lack of awareness campaigns under the leadership of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, according to local media.
“Many of these initiatives have been halted since August 5 of last year. Councillors are largely absent, leading to a disruption in the command structure among public representatives. This breakdown, coupled with ineffective control measures, has caused an increase in the density of Aedes larvae, as recent surveys indicate. Consequently, dengue cases have surged,” remarked Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist from Jahangirnagar University, as quoted by The Daily Star.
Dengue, which is a mosquito-borne viral illness, has become a pressing public health crisis in Bangladesh, primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
A report from The Daily Star in April revealed that out of the 4,575 union parishad chairmen across the nation, at least 1,535 have been absent from their duties since August 2024, leading to a lack of ground-level awareness initiatives regarding the spread of such diseases.
Public health professionals, medical practitioners, and entomologists have also asserted that there is a lack of effective measures to curb dengue transmission, and the healthcare system has not been adequately reformed either.
Point of View
It’s imperative to recognize that while the rise in dengue cases is alarming, it is a reflection of deeper systemic issues within our healthcare infrastructure. The government must prioritize immediate action to address mosquito control and public health awareness to prevent further casualties.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the rise in dengue cases in Bangladesh?
The increase in dengue cases is mainly due to inadequate mosquito control measures and a lack of awareness campaigns. Experts have noted that many initiatives have been halted, which has contributed to the surge.
How many deaths have been reported due to dengue this year?
As of now, there have been 51 reported deaths due to dengue in Bangladesh since the beginning of this year.
What regions in Bangladesh are most affected?
The most affected regions include Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka Division, and others, with cases reported across 60 districts.
What is dengue and how is it transmitted?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
What can be done to prevent dengue outbreaks?
Effective mosquito control measures, public awareness campaigns, and timely medical interventions are crucial to prevent dengue outbreaks.
