Experts Warn of Rising Dengue Cases Through October

Dhaka, September 2 – Academic specialists are cautioning that Bangladesh may see a continued increase in dengue infections well into October. The warning comes after five more deaths were recorded on Wednesday, raising the total death toll from the disease to 107 for the year.

The Directorate General of Health Services reported that within a 24‑hour period, hospitals admitted 1,110 dengue patients, with the latest fatalities occurring in Dhaka North City Corporation and the districts of Maymansingh and Barishal.

Data from August indicate the fastest rise in cases since the 2000 outbreak, making it the third‑largest monthly surge on record. The Daily Star noted 43 deaths and 20,536 hospitalizations in the previous month, placing it among the worst dengue months in the past 26 years.

Professor Kabirul Basher, a zoology professor at Jahangirnagar University, urged authorities to map affected areas at the community level and step up mosquito‑control operations, community engagement, and awareness campaigns. GM Saifur Rahman, an entomologist at National University, warned that the current shortfall in vector‑control efforts could exacerbate the situation over the next two months.

Associate Professor HM Najmul Ahshan highlighted that mortality is influenced by patient health status, virus strain, and the quality of medical response. He explained that many patients arrive at emergency departments with critically low blood pressure, limiting treatment options and increasing fatality risk.