Dengue Fever Cases Reach Record High in Bangladesh with Significant Increase in Infections and Deaths
Bangladesh is currently experiencing a surge in dengue fever cases, with the number of infections and deaths reaching unprecedented levels. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Dhaka, Bangladesh has reported a total of 80,074 cases of dengue fever as of August 11, this year. This number is almost evenly split between the capital city of Dhaka and the rest of the country. To put this into perspective, 2019 registered the highest number of cases on record with 101,354 reported cases.
Disturbingly, the number of dengue-related fatalities has soared to 373, an increase of nearly 100 deaths compared to the previous record-breaking year of 2022 when a total of 281 deaths were reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns about the current surge, as it deviates from the usual seasonal pattern of dengue outbreaks and witnesses an early, sharp rise in cases when compared to previous years. Normally, the surge begins around late June, but this year’s surge happened much earlier.
The case fatality rate (CFR), which indicates the percentage of deaths among those infected, is currently at 0.47%. This rate is relatively high compared to previous years for the same period. Additionally, a pre-monsoon Aedes survey conducted by the WHO has revealed that the density of mosquitoes carrying the virus has reached its peak in the past five years, as have the number of potential hotspots.
The WHO also discussed the circulating serotypes of the dengue virus in the current outbreak. Until 2018, DENV2 was the predominant serotype in Bangladesh, but it was then replaced by DENV3 as the primary serotype since 2019. However, in this outbreak, DENV2 has reemerged as the primary circulating serotype, potentially resulting in more severe dengue infections and hospitalizations due to second infections with a different serotype. Out of the 66 serotyped samples in June 2023, DENV2 accounted for 51.5% of cases, while DENV3 accounted for 43.9%.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted through mosquito bites. It typically takes up to two weeks for symptoms to appear, with the illness lasting for less than a week. Initial signs of the disease include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle, and joint pain, along with minor bleeding. In severe cases, dengue can become a medical emergency, requiring hospitalization. Severe symptoms can include uncontrolled bleeding, seriously low blood pressure leading to shock, organ failure, and, tragically, death.
Authorities and health organizations are working diligently to combat the dengue outbreak in Bangladesh. Prevention measures such as mosquito control and public awareness campaigns are being implemented to reduce the risk of further spread. It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for the government, health organizations, and communities to collaborate effectively to tackle this public health crisis. Heightened vigilance and prompt actions are key to curbing the spread of dengue fever and reducing its impact on the population. Efforts will continue to focus on early detection, proper medical care, and comprehensive preventive strategies to mitigate the severity of the outbreak.
