Bangladesh is currently facing a devastating and record-breaking outbreak of dengue fever, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients as the disease continues to spread rapidly across the densely-populated country. According to official figures, at least 293 people have tragically lost their lives to dengue in 2023, and nearly 61,500 individuals have been infected, making this year the deadliest since the first recorded epidemic in 2000.
The situation is particularly dire in the capital city of Dhaka, where hospitals are grappling to find adequate space to accommodate the overwhelming number of patients experiencing high fever, joint pain, and vomiting, as reported by health officials. In response to the crisis, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. These efforts range from awareness campaigns to initiatives targeting the elimination of mosquito larvae, especially following a period of heavy rains.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque emphasized the government’s commitment to combating the outbreak and providing necessary medical care. However, despite the efforts, the situation remains dire, leaving many patients and their families struggling for appropriate care. In a heartbreaking interview with Reuters television, Shariful Islam recounted the challenges faced by his family members in a government hospital in Dhaka. He explained how they were unable to secure proper beds, leaving them with no choice but to arrange makeshift arrangements on the floor for his mother and sister. Adding to the severity of the outbreak is the fact that there is currently no specific vaccine or drug available to treat dengue.
The disease is prevalent in South Asia during the monsoon season, particularly from June to September when the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting the deadly virus, thrives in stagnant water. Experts are warning that the number of dengue cases is likely to rise further throughout August and September. The current death toll has already surpassed last year’s record of 281 fatalities, with the number of infected individuals nearly reaching the total cases recorded in 2022 at 62,423. Early detection and access to proper medical care have been emphasized by experts as crucial factors in reducing dengue-related deaths to fewer than 1% of sufferers.
However, the widespread transmission within the community, which began as early as April with the onset of pre-monsoon rains and mosquito breeding, has posed significant challenges to containment. Kabirul Bashar, a professor of entomology at Jahangirnagar University, highlighted that the Aedes mosquito breeding and virus transmission coincided, contributing to the rapid spread of the disease. As the outbreak continues to escalate, authorities, healthcare workers, and communities must unite their efforts to combat the deadly dengue fever and minimize its devastating impact on the nation’s health and well-being.