Risk of highest dengue infections continues in November

Typically, the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of dengue, starts to decrease at the beginning of winter; however, last year showed an unusual trend. Among the 101,211 dengue patients admitted to hospitals nationwide last year, the highest number of admissions occurred in November. This year, the same trend is being observed. Despite the end of the monsoon, dengue cases are not declining, and the outbreak has taken a severe turn. Analysis of the past three months shows that both patient numbers and deaths have increased by 1.5 times each month. In the first two weeks of this November, more than 13,000 patients have been admitted, and 48 deaths have been officially reported. If this trend continues, hospital admissions could exceed 30,000 this month, with deaths possibly surpassing one hundred.

Public health experts say that climate change has altered the pattern of seasonal rains, extending the breeding cycle of Aedes mosquitoes. Inactive mosquito control measures, lack of early preparedness, and public negligence have caused dengue to no longer be limited to the rainy season; people are affected throughout the year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, in August last year, 10,496 dengue patients were admitted, with 39 deaths. In September, admissions increased to 15,866, with 76 deaths. In October, 22,520 patients were admitted, with 80 deaths. In the first two weeks of November this year, 13,204 patients were admitted, and 48 deaths were reported.

Dr. Mushtaq Hossain, adviser at the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stated that eliminating Aedes mosquitoes is essential to control dengue. Sprays or fumigation alone are insufficient. Effective prevention requires active community engagement. Dengue control is not only the government’s responsibility; without the active participation of every citizen, prevention is not possible.

The latest health department press release stated that as of 8 am on Friday, no deaths occurred in the past 24 hours, but 460 people were admitted. This year, total hospital admissions have reached 83,066, with 326 deaths.

Among the newly admitted patients, 145 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka North City Corporation, 24 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 55 in Barishal division, 125 in Chattogram division, 33 in Mymensingh division, 71 in Dhaka division, and 5 in Sylhet division.

Khaborwala/TSN