Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Oct 12: The dengue crisis continues to grip Bangladesh, with five more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, pushing the total death toll in 2025 to 230, officials confirmed on Sunday.

In the same period, 953 new patients were admitted to hospitals across the country, taking the total case count this year to 54,559, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), as reported by United News of Bangladesh.

Among the latest deaths, two occurred in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), while one each was reported in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Barishal, and Rajshahi Division (outside city areas).

Currently, 889 patients are being treated in various hospitals within Dhaka, while 2,546 patients are admitted in facilities nationwide.

Gender Breakdown and Trends
• 61.1% of the infected patients are men, while 38.9% are women.
• Of the total fatalities so far, 53.5% were male and 46.5% were female.

A Look Back: 2024 vs 2025

Last year, 575 deaths were recorded from over 101,000 dengue infections, according to DGHS data. While infections in 2025 have increased, the fatality rate per case has slightly declined.

Speaking at a press briefing on October 9, DGHS Director General Dr. Abu Jafor stated:

“This year, the number of dengue infections is higher than in 2024, but the death rate in proportion to infections is lower.”

He stressed the importance of mosquito control and individual responsibility in combating the outbreak.

“More than 50% of hospital deaths occur on the first day of admission. This indicates that patients are arriving too late for treatment,” he added.

Key Issues Highlighted

• Delayed hospital visits, lack of awareness, and negligence in early diagnosis are contributing to fatalities.
• Early-stage dengue can often be managed at home with timely medical advice.
• The government is ramping up public awareness efforts while ensuring hospitals are equipped to handle the surge.

Dengue: A Persistent Urban Threat

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas, particularly in tropical climates like Bangladesh. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vector control remains the most effective prevention method as no specific cure exists for dengue.

Authorities are urging citizens to:

• Use mosquito nets and repellents
• Avoid stagnant water
• Seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms

The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is encouraging citizens to remain vigilant during the ongoing outbreak.