Dengue Deaths Top 200 in Bangladesh as Rain Prolongs Outbreak
Dengue cases continue to rise in Bangladesh, with 202 deaths and 48,228 hospitalisations reported this year. Experts warn that recent rain and favourable weather conditions are prolonging the outbreak, with September being the deadliest month so far.
The National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine's entomology department head, professor Md Golam Sharower, emphasised the importance of larval control to prevent further escalation. Epidemiologist AM Zakir Hussain cautioned that current weather conditions allow Aedes mosquitoes to hatch and survive longer.
The Directorate General of Health Services reported two more dengue deaths and 396 new hospitalisations in the 24 hours ending at 8:00am on Thursday. Meteorologist Sara Sultana confirmed that light to moderate rain is expected to continue throughout the next week, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. However, she also noted that rain would decline gradually by the end of the week.
With dengue cases showing no signs of abating and weather conditions favouring mosquito breeding, authorities and experts urge vigilance and preventive measures. The public is advised to eliminate stagnant water and use mosquito nets to protect against dengue, as the country braces for potential further surges in cases.
