Dengue Deaths in Bangladesh Exceed 400 Amid Worst Outbreak in Years*

DHAKA, Nov 17 — Bangladesh is grappling with its deadliest dengue outbreak in years, with over 400 deaths and more than 78,500 infections reported in 2024. The surge, driven by unusual monsoon patterns and rising temperatures linked to climate change, has overwhelmed hospitals, particularly in urban areas.

As of mid-November, 4,173 dengue patients are being treated nationwide, with over 1,800 in Dhaka alone. Experts say the extended monsoon and shifting weather have created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, fueling the rapid spread of the disease.

Health officials stress the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, which can reduce fatalities to under 1%. Despite this, the growing severity of the outbreak is stretching Bangladesh’s healthcare system, with rural areas facing longer delays in treatment.

Last year saw a record 1,705 dengue-related deaths, and authorities are urging increased vigilance and mosquito control measures to curb the ongoing crisis.