Bangladesh, a country known for its resilience and strength, is currently grappling with a public health challenge -- the dengue crisis. Over the past few years, the incidence of dengue fever has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to the well-being of its people.
Dengue, the fastest spreading mosquito-borne disease, has been ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats. It has spread to 129 countries, with 400 million annual infections and 40,000 deaths. In Bangladesh, dengue was first documented as "Dhaka fever" in 1964, with the first official outbreak occurring in 2000.
After 2000, varying intensities of dengue activity were observed each year until 2018. However, in 2019, Bangladesh experienced the largest dengue epidemic in its history, with 101,354 dengue cases and 164 dengue-related deaths. Notably, this outbreak occurred in many regions that were previously considered free of the disease. As of mid-July 2023, a total of 25,792 dengue cases and 146 dengue-related deaths were reported in Bangladesh.
The rapid spread of dengue is facilitated by various catalysts, such as unplanned urbanization leading to the creation of favourable mosquito habitats, and climatic conditions conducive to the propagation of Aedes mosquitoes.
When suitable temperatures and rainfall are brought into account, every district in Bangladesh becomes vulnerable to the spread of dengue mosquitoes -- and these mosquitoes have been found throughout the entire country. The increasing rate of unplanned urbanization over the past decade, accompanied by subsequent waterlogging, has significantly worsened this situation.
According to studies, the clinical spectrum is also evolving, with gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation), while symptoms of bleeding and joint pains are decreasing. Notably, recent epidemics have seen up to a 10 fold increase in Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).
In the past three years, dengue has also spread into non-endemic areas such as district towns. Nearly half of all cases (48.4%) were recorded from all 64 districts during the biggest 2019 epidemic. Similar circumstances were observed in 2021, where 20.4% of cases were documented from regions other than Dhaka.
One of the key challenges in combating dengue in Bangladesh is the lack of a coordinated and sustained response. While efforts have been made in the past to control mosquito breeding and raise public awareness, the scale and complexity of the crisis demands a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. The government must prioritize dengue prevention and control, allocating sufficient resources, and establishing an effective surveillance system to monitor and respond to outbreaks swiftly.
To effectively address the dengue crisis, a multi-stakeholder approach is crucial. The government, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and citizens must collaborate closely to raise awareness, eliminate breeding grounds, and implement preventive measures. Robust public campaigns should be launched to educate communities about the symptoms, prevention, and early detection of dengue fever. Additionally, initiatives to improve sanitation, waste management, and water storage practices should be undertaken, targeting both urban and rural areas.
Public awareness campaigns must be intensified to educate individuals about the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of dengue. Emphasizing the importance of personal protective measures such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites can go a long way in reducing the incidence of dengue. Additionally, community engagement initiatives, including door-to-door campaigns and school-based educational programs, can help foster a culture of dengue prevention from a young age.
In this fight against dengue, individual responsibility is paramount. Every citizen must prioritize personal hygiene, maintain clean environments, and actively participate in community-driven initiatives. By adopting simple measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and regularly emptying stagnant water containers, individuals can contribute significantly to reducing the dengue burden.
The dengue crisis in Bangladesh demands urgent attention, decisive action, and a united front. It is a challenge that affects every segment of society, transcending boundaries of class, religion, and age. Failure to address this crisis comprehensively could have dire consequences for public health, the economy, and the overall well-being of the nation.
A few suggestions on how everyone can contribute to the fight against the dengue crisis in Bangladesh:
Maintain clean and hygienic living environments: Take responsibility for keeping surroundings clean and free from mosquito breeding grounds. Dispose of waste properly, cover water storage containers, and regularly clean out stagnant water sources.
Use mosquito repellents: Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and wear clothing that covers arms and legs, especially during peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk.
Eliminate mosquito breeding siMd Ashikur Rahman and Anupom Sarker are freelance contributors and Postgraduate Students of Public Administration and Governance Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University tes: Regularly inspect homes and surroundings for potential mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, discarded tires, and open drains. Empty or cover these areas to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
Seek early medical attention: If anyone experiences symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, or rash, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the severity of dengue and prevent complications.
Spread awareness: Educate family, friends, and neighbours about dengue prevention measures. Share information on social media, participate in community awareness programs, and encourage others to take proactive steps to prevent dengue.
Let us unite in our resolve to combat dengue and strive for a future where this deadly disease no longer poses a threat to our nation. The time to act is now, for the sake of our people and the well-being of our beloved country.
Md Ashikur Rahman and Anupom Sarker are freelance contributors and Postgraduate Students of Public Administration and Governance Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University
