Dengue cases rising, fears of a measles-like crisis
The country is already grappling with its worst measles outbreak in decades. According to official figures, 605 children have died from measles and measles-related complications since March 15.
At the same time, dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is spreading rapidly. During the first five months of this year, dengue infections have been reported in 55 districts. As of June 3, a total of 3,459 patients had been hospitalized, while at least six people had died.
The situation is alarming, especially since the peak dengue season has not yet begun. Experts fear that infections could rise significantly between July and October. Health authorities are now facing the challenge of combating both measles and dengue simultaneously.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said, “Measles is already a serious concern, and dengue is now knocking at our door. We must prepare accordingly. If the measles outbreak continues and dengue strikes hard, it will create a very difficult situation.”
Hospital data suggest that the actual number of dengue cases is much higher, as many patients are receiving treatment at home and only severe cases are admitted to hospitals. Of those infected, 63 percent are male and 37 percent female.
Barishal Division has recorded the highest infection rate, accounting for more than 24 percent of all cases. The two city corporations in Dhaka represent 23 percent of infections, while Chattogram accounts for 22 percent. Other affected regions include the rest of Dhaka Division, Khulna, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Rangpur. Five of the six reported deaths were men.
Fears of a Severe Outbreak
Bangladesh has a long history of devastating dengue outbreaks. In 2019, the number of hospitalized patients surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 101,037 cases with 263 deaths.
Dengue control efforts weakened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although hospitalizations declined somewhat in 2022, 281 people died that year. In 2023, the country experienced its worst dengue outbreak on record, with more than 300,000 hospital admissions and 1,705 deaths. In 2024, over 100,000 people were hospitalized and 575 died. Last year, admissions again exceeded 100,000, while 413 people lost their lives.
Entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University told Asia Post that surveys conducted in Dhaka and other parts of the country indicate that the situation could become serious again.
“Although it may not be as severe as the 2023 outbreak, it could come close,” he said. According to mosquito density surveys, districts such as Barishal, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Gazipur, Chandpur, and Manikganj are at particularly high risk.
Professor Bashar explained that dengue transmission depends on three key factors: the environment, the virus, and mosquito density. “To control dengue, we must either eliminate mosquitoes, isolate infected individuals, or prevent mosquitoes from breeding,” he said.
National Dengue Surveys Suspended
The Disease Control Branch (CDC) of the Directorate General of Health Services normally conducts three nationwide field surveys each year—before, during, and after the monsoon—to assess mosquito density and identify high-risk areas. However, no national survey has been conducted in the past 18 months.
According to health officials, the suspension was caused by funding shortages after operational plans were halted. Responsibility for the surveys was later transferred to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, but no surveys have yet been carried out.
At the same time, local government institutions and city corporations face a severe shortage of entomologists.
High-Risk Areas Identified in Dhaka South
The Dhaka South City Corporation conducted its own pre-monsoon survey between May 12 and 23 across 75 wards. The survey found that mosquito density exceeded recommended thresholds in 63 wards, while 27 wards were classified as high-risk.
The survey revealed that 35 percent of Aedes mosquito breeding sites were located in high-rise buildings, nearly 28 percent in single-family homes, 17 percent in under-construction buildings, and around 15 percent in semi-permanent houses. Standing water on floors, buckets, and plastic drums were among the most common breeding grounds.
DSCC Chief Health Officer Dr. Nishat Parveen said a special crash program targeting the most vulnerable wards will begin on June 7, followed by interventions in moderately at-risk areas.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka North City Corporation identified 25 high-risk wards in a survey conducted last September. DNCC is currently relying on that data to guide its preventive measures.
Government Intensifies Preventive Measures
Unlike previous years, authorities have begun preparations before the start of the dengue season. The Ministry of Health and local government bodies have increased coordination, holding six meetings with city corporations and civil surgeons during May alone. The government is set to launch a three-month nationwide dengue prevention campaign beginning Saturday.
Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said city corporations have been instructed to continuously apply insecticides targeting both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
Authorities are also focusing on identifying the circulating dengue virus strains, which could help improve preparedness and treatment strategies. Medical professionals will begin training programs for doctors across the country, while district and sub-district response teams are being formed to provide early treatment for infected patients.
Saline Stocks and Private Hospital Support
In previous dengue outbreaks, shortages of intravenous saline became a major concern, forcing patients to buy supplies at inflated prices. To avoid a repeat of that situation, the government has already imported and stockpiled 100,000 bags of saline solution. Additional supplies are available in hospitals, while assistance has also been requested from organizations such as UNICEF and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
Private hospitals and clinics are also being brought into the national dengue response. Health authorities have instructed private healthcare facilities to reserve 10 percent of their beds free of charge for dengue patients. In addition, they have agreed to waive 80 percent of diagnostic and other treatment-related costs, excluding food and medication expenses. Doctors’ consultation fees will also be waived.
With dengue cases already spreading across much of the country before the monsoon season reaches its peak, health experts warn that strict implementation of mosquito-control measures and close monitoring of outbreaks will be critical to preventing another major public health crisis.