2023-09-15 23:04:08
Record Number of Dengue Fever Deaths in Bangladesh this Year
A devastating increase in dengue fever cases in Bangladesh has resulted in a record number of deaths this year. According to reports, 778 people have already succumbed to the infection, making it the highest death toll ever recorded. Additionally, over 157,000 people have been infected with the virus, also marking a record number of cases.
Last year, the previous record of deaths stood at 281. Experts are pointing to a lack of coordinated policies as a contributing factor to the high death rate. However, they also acknowledge the role climate change plays in this epidemic.
Dengue fever, also known as dengue, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, particularly the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito. It is the most common mosquito-borne viral infectious disease, affecting approximately 400 million people worldwide annually. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, chills, vomiting, coughing, severe headaches behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. These symptoms typically last for one to two weeks. It’s worth noting that many people infected with dengue may not display any symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) first recorded cases of dengue fever in Bangladesh in 1960. Since 2010, infections have coincided with the country’s rainy season, running from May to the end of September.
In July, the WHO issued a warning stating that dengue fever cases would reach a record high this year. Climate change was identified as one of the contributing factors. The warming climate has facilitated the multiplication of mosquitoes, aiding in the spread of the disease.
Although dengue fever is considered an “import disease” in the Netherlands, as people acquire the infection while traveling to affected regions, there has been a concerning increase in tiger mosquito sightings in the country. The expansion of this mosquito species is partly attributed to climate change. They have now reached as far north as the French-Belgian border.
To combat the risks associated with dengue fever, a dengue vaccine has been made available in the Netherlands since April of this year, allowing travelers to protect themselves. Previously, protection against the disease was limited to covering clothing and mosquito repellents.
This alarming situation in Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle the spread of dengue fever. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate its impact on public health globally.]
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