The number of dengue cases recorded in Bangladesh this year has surpassed the total reported during the same period last year, with infections rising sharply in recent weeks.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 28,929 dengue cases have been reported nationwide between January 1 and August 23, compared with 27,955 cases during the same period last year.
In the 24 hours to 8am on Sunday, 839 new dengue patients were hospitalized, while five people died from the disease.
The death toll, however, remains lower than last year’s corresponding figure. A total of 82 people have died from dengue so far this year, compared with 114 during the same period last year.
The sharp rise in infections is raising concerns about additional pressure on the healthcare system.
The dengue surge comes as Bangladesh continues to deal with a prolonged measles outbreak. DGHS data show that 18,596 people were admitted to hospitals with measles or measles-like symptoms during the first 22 days of August, an average of 885 admissions a day.
Experts said major government hospitals in Dhaka, which have treated thousands of dengue patients in previous years, are currently operating at near-full capacity with measles patients. A further rise in dengue cases could therefore put additional pressure on limited healthcare resources and disrupt medical services, they said.
Sharp rise in August
According to DGHS statistics, dengue cases remained lower than last year through July, before the situation changed in August.
Between January 1 and May 31, 3,197 dengue cases were recorded this year, with five deaths. During the same period in 2025, the number of cases stood at 4,345.
By July 31, the number of cases this year had risen to 15,310, with 54 deaths. During the corresponding period last year, 20,980 cases and 83 deaths were recorded.
However, 13,619 new dengue cases were detected during the first 22 days of August alone, accounting for nearly 47% of the total cases recorded this year. During the same period last year, the figure was 6,975.
Like last year, Barisal division has recorded the highest number of dengue cases. As of August 22, the division had reported 4,987 cases, compared with 9,399 during the same period in 2025.
Entomologist Kabirul Bashar said dengue cases could be somewhat higher this year than last year, depending on several factors.
“Dengue may be somewhat higher this year than last year. There are several reasons behind this. The situation will depend on how effective mosquito control has been, the impact of climate, the pattern of rainfall and how well dengue hotspots have been managed,” he said.
He said dengue transmission could increase at a geometric rate if control measures were not taken quickly and seriously in areas where mosquito breeding had begun.
“Therefore, hotspot management is now the most urgent priority. There is a risk that dengue transmission could increase further in September and October,” he said.
Professor Dr Nurul Islam, director of the Hospital Division of DGHS, told Dhaka Tribune that the authorities were aware of dengue and other seasonal diseases and were taking necessary measures to address the situation.
“We are aware of dengue and other seasonal diseases and are taking the necessary measures to deal with the situation,” he said.
He said a meeting was held last week with all civil surgeons, directors and superintendents of government hospitals across the country.
Hospitals were instructed to make the necessary preparations, including arranging additional beds, to cope with a potential rise in dengue patients, he said.
He added that the Information Ministry had been asked to increase public awareness campaigns on dengue prevention on television.
City corporations had also been urged to strengthen various preventive measures, while the Local Government Division had been asked to assist with the efforts, he said.
