Bangladesh is grappling with a surging dengue crisis as the number of fatalities and cases continues to escalate. This dire situation has prompted concern from both local health officials and international organizations.
The dengue virus, known for its debilitating effects, is wreaking havoc across the country. There is currently no reliable method to predict or control the number of deaths attributed to this deadly disease. Tragically, the death toll shows no sign of slowing down. The death rate in relation to the number of affected patients has reached an alarming high.
While the initial outbreak was centred in the capital, Dhaka, recent reports indicate a disturbing trend. Districts outside of Dhaka are now grappling with an increasing number of dengue cases and casualties. In the last five days alone, 24 lives were claimed by dengue within Dhaka, while 37 individuals succumbed to the virus outside the city.
According to the latest figures from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the death toll from dengue in Bangladesh has surged to 928 this year, with an additional 19 fatalities reported in just 24 hours leading up to yesterday morning. Meanwhile, 3,033 new patients were admitted to hospitals with viral fever during the same period, as reported by DGHS.
Of these new patients, 801 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, with the remainder seeking treatment outside the capital. This distribution points to a worsening situation that transcends city limits, a fact underscored by DGHS.
As of now, a staggering 10,147 dengue patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals throughout the country. This includes 3,622 individuals in the capital city alone. Meanwhile, DGHS has recorded a total of 190,758 dengue cases this year, with 179,683 patients successfully recovering from the illness.
In the midst of this escalating crisis, the conversation around dengue control has remained urban-centric, primarily focusing on Dhaka. However, a critical observation by pathologists highlights the underreported situation outside the capital.
The increase in dengue cases outside Dhaka has been attributed to the different types of Aedes mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the virus. Aedes aegypti, primarily found in urban areas, has been responsible for the initial outbreaks in cities. In contrast, Aedes albopictus, more active in rural settings, has contributed to the rising cases outside urban centers.
Medical experts emphasize the need for proper diagnosis and categorization of patients based on symptoms. This approach ensures that patients suffering from dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue shock syndrome, and expanded dengue syndrome receive the appropriate treatment promptly, potentially reducing the death toll.
Dr Habibul Ahsan Talukder, director of the Health Department (Hospitals and Clinics), revealed that as of September 23 this year, 184,717 people have been affected by dengue across the country. This is a worrisome increase compared to the dengue outbreak of 2019 when the total number of cases was 101,354. The surge in cases this year has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current control measures.
Regarding treatment protocols, Dr Talukder highlighted that dengue patients receive standardized treatment across district and upazila hospitals, as well as in private healthcare facilities. All field-level doctors have undergone comprehensive training in dengue treatment and patient management under the guidance of the Health Department.
While the majority of dengue cases are concentrated in the Dhaka city area, other divisions including Chittagong, and Barisal have also reported high numbers of affected patients. Specific districts such as Faridpur, Manikganj, Shariatpur, and Rajbari in Dhaka division have been particularly hard-hit. In the Chittagong division, Chittagong and Lakshmipur districts, as well as Barisal and Patuakhali districts in the Barisal division, have experienced a substantial rise in cases. Meanwhile, divisions like Rangpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh have comparatively fewer dengue patients.
Despite the crisis, officials from the Dhaka North and South City Corporations claim progress in dengue control efforts. They assert that the number of dengue cases and deaths in Dhaka is significantly lower than in other districts across the country. Their initiatives include widespread raids, the distribution of medicines, and public awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the dengue situation in Bangladesh an epidemic. This year's situation has proven to be more severe compared to previous years, prompting concerns from the United Nations about further deterioration. The government has been urged to take swift and comprehensive measures to address the crisis.
This year alone, 190,758 patients have been admitted to hospitals across the country for dengue treatment. Among them, 79,716 received treatment in Dhaka, while 111,042 sought treatment outside the capital. Out of the affected individuals, 179,683 have successfully recovered from the disease.
