Bangladesh continues to battle a worsening dengue fever crisis as seven more fatalities were reported across the country within a 24-hour period, according to the latest figures released on Tuesday, 15 September, by the Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The latest deaths bring the national tally of fatalities from the mosquito-borne viral infection to 164 this year. Alongside the fatalities, medical facilities across the nation recorded 1,593 new hospital admissions over the same period, underscoring the relentless pressure on the country’s healthcare system during the peak transmission season.
A breakdown of the recent hospital admissions reveals a heavy concentration of cases in the central and western regions. Dhaka Division, excluding the city corporation areas, reported the highest single-day surge with 383 admissions. Within the capital, Dhaka North City Corporation recorded 171 new patients, whilst Dhaka South City Corporation registered 132. Outside the capital region, Khulna Division emerged as a major hotspot with 290 hospitalisations, followed by Chittagong Division with 165 and Barisal Division with 159. Elsewhere, Rajshahi Division reported 137 cases, Mymensingh Division recorded 82, Rangpur Division logged 65, and Sylhet Division registered nine admissions.
Since the beginning of the year, official statistics confirm that 55,163 individuals have been hospitalised due to dengue complications nationwide.
Dengue fever, transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, remains an annual public health challenge in Bangladesh, typically peaking during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. The rapid accumulation of stagnant water during heavy rainfall creates ideal breeding grounds for vectors. Health experts warn that early medical intervention is crucial, as severe dengue can rapidly progress to life-threatening conditions such as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Public health authorities continue to urge citizens to eliminate standing water around homes, utilise mosquito nets, and seek immediate medical consultation upon the onset of high fever or related symptoms.
