Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka

Dhaka, Nov 9: Bangladesh is grappling with a severe dengue outbreak as infections and fatalities surge across the country. In the past 24 hours, six people have died, bringing the total number of dengue-related deaths in 2025 to 313, according to local media reports.

During the same period, 1,195 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 78,543, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported. Two deaths were recorded each in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and Barishal Division.

Currently, 1,150 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals in Dhaka, while 3,337 patients are admitted in other regions of the country. DGHS data shows that 62.3% of the dengue patients are men, and 37.7% are women, while 52.7% of fatalities were male and 47.3% female.

DGHS Director General Abu Jafor noted that while the number of infections in 2025 has surpassed last year’s figures, the death rate relative to total cases remains lower. Speaking at a press briefing during the Typhoid Vaccination Campaign-2025, he emphasized mosquito control and personal protective measures. “People must use mosquito nets and take protective measures. These are mostly individual responsibilities. If neglected, eliminating dengue will be extremely difficult,” he said.

Jafor added that over 50% of hospital deaths occur on the first day of admission, indicating delayed medical attention. Early diagnosis, he said, allows dengue to be treated at home with proper care, while lack of awareness and delays in seeking treatment contribute significantly to fatalities.

Dengue, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes and is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas. While there is no specific treatment for dengue, early detection and timely medical care significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).