Bangladesh Dengue Death Toll Reaches 281, Third-Highest in 26 Years
Ten new dengue deaths have pushed Bangladesh’s death toll to 281 this year, raising growing concerns over the public health situation.
Bangladesh Dengue Death Toll Reaches 281, Third-Highest in 26 Years
The dengue situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly concerning. With 10 more deaths reported, the total number of dengue deaths in the country this year has reached 281.
According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), this year’s dengue death toll is tied for the third-highest annual total recorded in the past 26 years.
The highest number of dengue deaths in Bangladesh was recorded in 2023, when 1,705 people died from the disease. In 2024, dengue claimed 575 lives, while 281 people died from dengue in 2022.
The situation this year is particularly concerning because dengue infections and deaths continue to rise significantly even after the monsoon season has ended.
Experts say early diagnosis and timely hospital treatment are crucial to reducing the risk of death from dengue.
A mortality review led by the director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research analyzed data from 119 dengue patients who died.
The review found that more than one-third of the patients died within one day of being admitted to hospital. Analysis of the causes of death showed that 62.5 percent of the patients died from dengue shock syndrome, 31.2 percent from expanded dengue syndrome, and 16.1 percent from hemorrhagic dengue.
Doctors say a dengue patient’s condition can deteriorate rapidly. They warn that patients should not be considered out of danger simply because their fever has subsided.
Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, extreme weakness, bleeding, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness or reduced urination are warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Experts are also emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds and maintain cleanliness in Dhaka and other cities across Bangladesh. Alongside government measures, removing stagnant water and maintaining regular cleanliness around homes, offices, schools and surrounding areas are also important for dengue prevention.
With the death toll already reaching 281 this year, dengue has emerged as a major public health challenge for Bangladesh. Children, older adults and other vulnerable groups require particular caution.
