Bangladesh records highest dengue death toll in October
Bangladesh has reported its highest monthly death toll due to dengue in 2024, with 84 fatalities recorded in October, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
This brings the total number of dengue-related deaths in the country this year to 247. As of Sunday, October 20 Bangladesh has logged 49,880 confirmed cases of dengue.
In the 24 hours leading up to 8:00 a.m. on October 20, the DGHS reported 1,298 new cases of dengue, raising the total number of cases in October to 18,942.
Another six deaths were confirmed on the same day, further escalating concerns about the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, as reported by Xinhua. The surge in fatalities began in September, which saw 80 deaths, compared to 27 in August, 12 in July, and eight in June.
To combat the spread of dengue, Bangladeshi health authorities have intensified mosquito control measures and are conducting anti-larval operations to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the virus.
The annual toll for dengue-related deaths in Bangladesh reached 1,705 in 2023, marking the highest number ever recorded. This is a sharp rise compared to 281 deaths in 2022 and 179 in 2019.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and typically results in symptoms such as headache, high fever, severe muscle and joint pain, vomiting, rash, and swollen glands. The disease poses a serious health risk, especially during peak monsoon seasons when mosquito populations are at their highest.
Health experts are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to protect against mosquito bites, including using insect repellents and eliminating standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
