Dengue Outbreak In Bangladesh, Over 310 Deaths Reported So Far, Dhaka Records Highest Toll

Bangladesh is currently experiencing one of the worst dengue outbreaks since the last few years as infection cases and death count is rising rapidly. Dengue fever has emerged as a major public health crisis in Bangladesh, with an unprecedented surge in cases and fatalities in recent years.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines dengue as a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. In Bangladesh the infection cases have seen a spike since the 2019 outbreak, emerging as the most widespread and rapidly increasing vector-borne disease.

Unprecedented Surge in Dengue Cases

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh, which is an agency of the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, the total cases has surpassed the staggering figure of 78,000, with the total death count reaching 313. As reported by the DGHS, Six people have died in the past twenty-four hours, and 1,195 patients with severe conditions are currently admitted to hospitals.

Bangladesh saw an outbreak of Aedes mosquito-borne dengue fever in 2019 leading to more than 100,000 people being hospitalised and since then the country has witnessed only a surge with each year.

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A study published by Springer Nature Link in August 2025 mentioned that between January and September 2023, a staggering 203,406 dengue cases and 989 deaths were reported. After 2019, the cycle of dengue has become deadly. The worst hit year on record in Bangladesh was 2023, dengue infected more than 321,000 people and killed 1,705. This is a 1.9-fold increase compared with the entire year of 2019. The capital, Dhaka, bears the brunt of the outbreak and accounts for over half of all cases and deaths.

The research further noted that the first recorded outbreak of dengue in the country, then known as East Pakistan, occurred in the 1960s. Since 2000, dengue outbreaks have become more frequent and widespread, with a notable surge in cases occurring during the monsoon season, from May to September.

Rainy Season Worsen Conditions

Each Year, as the nation enters the rainy season, dengue cases see a sudden surge throughout the country. Rainy seasons and humidity increase the dengue cases all over the world as this provides the perfect breeding ground to Aedes Aegypati mosquitoes, vectors for the virus.

Heavy rainfall creates several sources of stagnant water, both natural and artificial containers such as ponds, flower pots, discarded tyres or anything that can store the water.

Climate change, urbanisation, population density and pollution are also some of the major contributors in the increasing number of cases. Due to climate change the rainy cycle has shifted for a longer period leading to a longer period of breeding point for dengue mosquitoes.

Children At Higher Risk

Hospitals across Bangladesh are flooded with dengue fever patients, with children being at higher risk. According to local media reports, many children are being admitted with high fever, rashes, and dehydration, which are turning into severe cases due to inadequate management within the healthcare system.

Dhaka Worst Hit

Dengue fever has caused a panic throughout the country, affecting both urban and rural areas. Over the past five years, all 64 districts in Bangladesh have reported dengue cases, with Dhaka remaining the worst hit, accounting for 52.8% of cases and 78.9% of deaths.

However, Since January 1, 2025, Barishal has reported the highest number of cases, followed by Dhaka and Chattogram, with reported figures of 18,458, 13,216 and 11.024 cases respectively - excluding those under the Dhaka South City Corporation(DSCC).

The death toll saw a sudden rise from May onwards, peaking at 80 in October. Bangladesh has already reported 35 deaths in November, with only ten days into the month.

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While the number of dengue infections in 2025 has surpassed the figures of 2024, the death rate relative to total cases still remains lower. DGHS Director General Abu Jafor emphasised mosquito control and protective measures that can be taken on a personal level. “People must use mosquito nets and take protective measures. These are mostly individual responsibilities. If neglected, eliminating dengue will be extremely difficult,” he noted.

Bottomline

As stated by WHO, Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas. Most people who are infected with dengue experience mild to almost no symptoms and recover within a week or two. However, in severe cases, the disease can be fatal also.