9-month cases hit 3-yr high

Although the monsoon is nearing its end, Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is showing no sign of easing, with infections and hospital admissions continuing to rise. The emergence of DENV-3 as the dominant serotype and fears of a further increase in cases have added to concerns over the worsening situation.

An analysis of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data shows that dengue infections this year are the highest compared with the same period of the previous three years. By September 12, 2024, 17,845 people had been infected, while the figure stood at 36,927 on the same date in 2025. This year, the number reached 50,276.

*    Patients, families struggle to meet treatment costs
*    Detection of new DENV-3 serotype raises concern
*    2 deaths, 1,056 infected in 24 hours

The death toll is also a concern. By September 12, 2024, 103 people had died of dengue, compared with 145 by the same date in 2025. This year, 143 deaths have been recorded, almost the same as last year.

Monthly data show a clear upward trend. Cases in June were nearly three times higher than in May, while July saw almost a threefold increase over June, accompanied by a similar rise in deaths. In August, infections more than doubled from the previous month.

Against this backdrop, the government has launched a three-month nationwide dengue prevention and cleanliness campaign. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the campaign at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Saturday.

The programme focuses on public awareness, destroying Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, strengthening cleanliness activities and coordinating government, private-sector and social initiatives.

Experts, however, say dengue cannot be controlled through government efforts alone. People must also keep their homes and surroundings clean and destroy potential Aedes breeding grounds.

As the number of patients rises, many are also struggling to meet treatment costs. Patients and their families complain that delays in getting tests at hospitals often force them to use private facilities for quicker reports.

Rabeya Akter, a relative of a dengue patient at Mugda Medical College Hospital (MMCH), said her nephew works as a rickshaw puller and sleeps in a garage at night. He sends his earnings to his family in their village.