Labonnya Liza ; Dhaka – The dengue situation in Bangladesh is taking a worrying turn as the outbreak has already spread to 58 districts across the country.
According to health authorities, the districts under the Barishal division are experiencing the highest concentration of dengue patients.
Data released by the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reveals that from January 1 to June 19, dengue cases were detected in 58 out of 64 districts.
The only six districts remaining free of dengue so far are Shariatpur in Dhaka division; Moulvibazar in Sylhet division; and Kurigram, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh in Rangpur division.
Current Stats Lower Than Last Year
Despite the recent surge, the overall number of infections and fatalities remains lower than during the same period last year.
Last year, by June 19, 7,077 patients were hospitalized, and 30 deaths were reported. This year, during the same timeframe, 4,680 patients have been hospitalized, with the death toll standing at 7.
Division-Wise Breakdown of Hospitalizations
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Dhaka Division (including two city corporations): 1,601 patients
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Barishal Division: 1,243 patients
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Chittagong Division: 956 patients
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Khulna Division: 490 patients
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Rajshahi Division: 170 patients
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Mymensingh Division: 138 patients
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Sylhet Division: 53 patients
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Rangpur Division: 29 patients (Lowest)
Why Barishal is Facing the Brunt
A weekly analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) Dhaka office also confirmed the high prevalence of dengue in the Barishal and Khulna divisions.
Notably, Barishal’s Barguna district was massively hit last year, recording 9,533 hospitalizations and 15 deaths.
When asked about the surge in Barishal, renowned entomologist and Jahangirnagar University professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar explained:
“Dengue spreads through the perfect storm of three factors: the presence of mosquitoes, an ideal environment for their breeding, and infected humans. This combination is highly active in Barishal right now. To control it, we must eliminate breeding sources or keep dengue patients completely isolated under mosquito nets.”
Government Steps up Measures
The government has intensified its anti-dengue drive since March. Mobile courts are actively inspecting households and establishments to fine owners for hosting Aedes mosquito larvae.
Additionally, ‘Dengue Corners’ are being set up at upazila hospitals, and a dedicated field hospital has been prepared at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital grounds to tackle any sudden patient overflow.
DGHS Director General, Professor Prabhat Chandra Biswas, stated that a special monitoring cell comprising directors from the CDC, IEDCR, MIS, and the hospital branch has been formed.
Furthermore, the government has stockpiled 100,000 bags of saline. Private hospitals have been instructed to allocate 10% of their beds for free dengue treatment, and diagnostic centers have been asked to offer an 80% discount on dengue-related tests.
Peak Expected in July-August
Public health experts warn that the dengue menace is no longer seasonal but a year-round threat. However, the numbers traditionally spike during the monsoon.
Dr. Mushtuq Husain, former chief scientific officer of IEDCR, warned that the outbreak usually peaks in July and August.
He noted that without aggressive and sustained government programs, the dengue menace could easily stretch well past October.