The escalating dengue crisis is a major concern as cases and fatalities continue to rise during an extended monsoon period. On September 21, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported a record-high single-day death toll of 12, including five in the Barisal division. The total count stood at 181 deaths and 42,509 infections as of 8 am on September 22 this year. Despite prior warnings from experts about the worsening dengue situation due to shifting weather patterns, the necessary preparations, such as proactive measures, were disregarded. Authorities persisted with outdated strategies to combat the disease, resulting in visible repercussions.
Most deaths this year were attributed to delayed hospitalization, as indicated by DGHS data showing that approximately 74 percent of deaths occurred within 48 hours of admission, implying critical conditions upon hospital arrival. Healthcare professionals emphasized that when dengue patients reach hospitals in advanced stages, treatment measures are often ineffective, underscoring a lack of public awareness regarding timely hospital visits.
While some awareness efforts are observed in Dhaka, with the city corporations initiating mosquito control activities as part of the dengue response, similar actions are scarce in rural regions across the country. This lack of awareness has led to severe consequences, with dengue spreading significantly beyond Dhaka. This year, 30,854 cases were reported outside the capital, surpassing the 10,977 cases in Dhaka. Notably, Barguna district was heavily impacted, with 13 reported deaths. A survey by IEDCR in June revealed Aedes mosquito larvae in 31 percent of homes in Barguna municipality and a staggering 76 percent in rural areas. Timely action based on these findings could have averted many fatalities.
While the total dengue infections this year have surpassed last year’s figures, the mortality rate remains relatively lower thus far. However, the increasing number of infections and critically ill patients in recent weeks foreshadows a potential deepening crisis ahead. To mitigate further loss of life, raising awareness about early testing and ensuring prompt hospitalization are imperative. Efforts should focus on tackling dengue outside Dhaka, including bolstering district-level hospitals’ capacity to manage severe cases effectively. A unified national approach is crucial to prevent additional dengue-related fatalities.