Every year, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts three surveys to monitor dengue outbreaks. One of these is the pre-monsoon survey, which is usually completed around this time of the year. However, this time, the government has yet to even begin the pre-monsoon survey. Additionally, the report from the post-monsoon survey of 2024 is still not finalized.
In Bangladesh, dengue cases usually start rising before the monsoon season. As rainfall begins and the weather turns hot and humid, conditions become ideal for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of dengue. Typically, the number of dengue cases starts increasing from April. Experts fear a similar spike this year, but the government’s preparedness seems lacking.
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government last August, local government’s activities came to a temporary halt, which also affected dengue prevention efforts. With the arrival of winter, mosquito control measures slowed down even further. Now that winter is over and rainfall has started in mid-March across different parts of the country, experts warn that dengue cases could begin rising again in April, based on past trends.
According to DGHS data, Bangladesh recorded 101,214 dengue cases in 2024, with 575 confirmed deaths. Last year, the number of cases began rising in April. In January 2024, there were 1,055 reported dengue cases nationwide, which dropped to 339 in February and 311 in March. However, infections started climbing again in April, with 504 cases reported that month. The outbreak peaked in October, with 30,879 cases, followed by 29,652 cases in November. In December, the number dropped to 9,745.
Dr. Md. Golam Sarwar, professor and head of the entomology department at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), is one of the key members of the DGHS survey team on Aedes mosquitoes. Speaking to Bonik Barta, he said, “Dengue cases usually start rising before the monsoon. Last year, the number of cases and deaths broke all previous records. This year, the government needs to take stronger preventive measures. The first dengue case in Bangladesh was identified in 2000. From 2000 to 2019, the total number of infections and deaths remained relatively low. However, in 2022, we saw these numbers double. The same pattern repeated in 2023, and again in 2024. This means dengue cases and fatalities are doubling every year, mainly because the mosquito population is increasing. The government needs to step up its efforts this year. Otherwise, controlling the situation will be extremely difficult.”
Dengue was first detected in Bangladesh in 2000, and for nearly two decades, it remained largely confined to Dhaka. However, in 2019, the virus started spreading nationwide, and since then, the number of cases outside Dhaka has been rising significantly every year.
Experts have long pointed out flaws in the government’s dengue control efforts. This year, with no visible preventive measures in place, they fear the situation could worsen further.
Dr. Mahbubul Hasan Siddiqee, a professor in the microbiology department at BRAC University, told Bonik Barta, “It’s easier to prevent dengue by eliminating mosquito larvae rather than killing adult mosquitoes. But the government is not focusing on this aspect either. There are four types of dengue virus. The first infection is usually not severe, and even a second infection with the same strain is not alarming. However, if someone gets infected with one type of dengue virus the first time and a different type the second time, the risk of death increases significantly. To reduce fatalities, we need more research on the virus. If we can predict which strain is dominant in a particular area, we can take targeted action to prevent deaths. Instead of just focusing on the number of infections, the government should prioritize reducing fatalities. This requires extensive research and data collection. But unfortunately, the authorities are not paying attention to this. Every year, when dengue starts spreading, they resort to aggressive mosquito control measures, but these often fail to produce meaningful results.”
So far this year, 13 people have died from dengue. According to DGHS data, 1,161 cases were recorded in January, 374 in February, and 262 in March as of Thursday (March 20). Among the fatalities, 10 occurred in January, and 3 in March, while February saw no dengue-related deaths.
Dr. Adil Muhammed Khan, a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, fears that the dengue situation could worsen this year due to the absence of local government representatives. Speaking to Bonik Barta, he said, “The problem is not that there are no mayors, councilors, or municipal leaders in place. The real issue is that the government hasn’t filled these positions yet. As a result, dengue control efforts through these bodies are not happening. Additionally, unplanned urbanization is a major factor behind the spread of dengue, yet we don’t see any real efforts from the government to build planned cities—whether in Dhaka or smaller towns. Tackling dengue isn’t just the responsibility of the health or local government ministries. Other government agencies also need to be involved. The government could even mobilize the youth to help fight dengue. They can spread awareness, clean up canals and water bodies, and destroy mosquito larvae.”
Dr. Lelin Choudhury, a public health expert and Director of Health & Hope Specialized Hospital, warns that if the government does not take immediate action, the situation could spiral out of control in the coming months. He told Bonik Barta, “Every year, during dengue season, mayors in Dhaka and other cities launch mosquito control drives, but we rarely see any real impact. Dengue cases surged in the last few months of last year. Right now, we don’t have any scientific projections because the government hasn’t provided any data. But one thing is clear—since there’s no visible government initiative to tackle dengue, we are at serious risk of a severe outbreak this year.”
Dengue outbreaks have not only become more widespread in recent years, but they are also lasting longer. Previously, dengue was mostly confined to the monsoon season. However, last year, cases were recorded from pre-monsoon through winter. Experts warn that dengue has now become a year-round threat, making it crucial for the government to stay vigilant. Following the mass uprising, dengue control efforts, like many other government activities, have slowed down. With the monsoon approaching, there are growing fears that the situation could spiral out of control. Given the lack of preparation, experts believe this year’s outbreak could surpass all previous records.
However, Md Nizam Uddin, Secretary for the Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Division, insists that the government is taking dengue control measures. Speaking to Bonik Barta, he said, “We are prepared to handle the dengue situation. We’ve held meetings and issued warnings at the zonal level. But the problem is, people are not aware. Dengue spreads in clean water, yet people keep storing clean water, assuming it’s harmless. You (journalists) should write more about this and help raise awareness. If everyone becomes more conscious, we can reduce the dengue outbreak.”