Bangladesh Faces Devastating Dengue Outbreak, with Over 1,000 Deaths
Bangladesh is currently grappling with its worst dengue outbreak on record, with over 1,000 people succumbing to the mosquito-borne illness since the beginning of the year. Scientists warn that the situation could worsen due to the effects of climate change.
The government data released on Tuesday reveals that at least 1,030 individuals have died, and more than 210,000 have been infected in Bangladesh as of January 1. This has put a tremendous strain on the country’s fragile healthcare system, prompting officials to take urgent measures to control the spread of the disease. Tragically, among the deceased are more than 100 children under the age of 16. To put things into perspective, Bangladesh only reported 281 dengue-related deaths in all of last year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a global eightfold increase in dengue cases from 2000 to 2022. Raman Velayudhan, the head of WHO’s program for the control of neglected tropical diseases, stated in July that almost half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue. Asia accounts for approximately 70% of the global disease burden.
The WHO published a report in August highlighting the abnormality of the situation in Bangladesh compared to previous years. The report stated that conditions in the country, such as excessive rainfall, waterlogging, flooding, rising temperatures, and unusual shifts in seasons, have become more favorable for dengue transmission.
Dengue is predominantly spread by the Aedes species of mosquito, which can also transmit the Zika and chikungunya viruses. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. In Bangladesh, dengue cases typically coincide with the rainy season from May to September and higher temperatures.
While most infected individuals do not experience symptoms, those who do may suffer from high fever, headaches, nausea, body aches, and rashes. In rare cases, dengue can be fatal, particularly for those who have been infected twice and are at a higher risk of developing “severe dengue.” The mortality rate in untreated patients can reach 13%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At present, there is no specific drug intervention for dengue, and treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and providing pain relief. Early detection, however, can significantly lower the fatality rates associated with the disease.
Aside from Bangladesh, significant dengue outbreaks have also been reported in the Americas, particularly in Brazil and Peru. Sudanese medics have recently issued warnings about the spread of dengue due to seasonal rains. The virus is appearing in new areas, with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control raising concerns about the transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses in June.
In Bangladesh, dengue cases have been reported in all 64 districts of the country, with the capital city of Dhaka being particularly affected.
Responding to the crisis, the U.K.-based humanitarian organization Save the Children released a statement, emphasizing the human impact of every dengue case. They urged the public to remember that behind the statistics lie individuals who deserve a healthy and happy life.
As the dengue outbreak in Bangladesh continues to escalate, efforts must be intensified to combat this deadly disease. Comprehensive measures, including improved healthcare infrastructure, mosquito control, and public education, need to be implemented urgently to protect the population and mitigate the impact of climate change on the spread of dengue.