Bangladesh may see a significant rise in dengue cases over the coming two months, according to health experts. Wet conditions and weak mosquito control measures are contributing to a broader outbreak.
The mosquito-transmitted illness, which leads to fever, intense headaches and sometimes deadly issues, has increased rapidly in recent weeks. This follows the country’s most severe outbreak on record in 2023.
Infections jumped in June to 2,907 cases and 13 deaths, up from 715 cases and one death in May. Health ministry figures show 5,924 total cases and 18 deaths nationwide by the end of June.
Entomologist Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University predicted dengue infections in Dhaka could at least double in July compared with June and rise three to four times by August. He noted greater risks likely exist in other districts outside the capital.
The 2023 outbreak infected over 321,000 people and caused 1,705 deaths. The prior year saw 102,861 cases and 413 deaths, after 101,214 infections and 575 deaths in 2024.
The country is also managing a severe measles outbreak, with over 100,000 suspected cases and more than 10,000 confirmed since mid-March, resulting in over 700 deaths and straining the health system.
Heavy rain, high heat and humidity have produced optimal conditions for dengue spread, while control efforts lag, Bashar stated. He called for a national early warning system to detect breeding sites and hotspots for quicker responses.
Officials report they are addressing the situation through mosquito elimination, clearing stagnant water, readying hospitals and advising protective steps by residents.
