Bangladesh’s dengue situation is becoming increasingly concerning, with two more deaths and 672 new hospital admissions reported in the latest 24-hour period. The latest figures have pushed the country’s dengue death toll this year to 61, while the cumulative number of reported cases since the beginning of the year has reached 19,345.

The figures were released in the Directorate General of Health Services’ regular dengue update on Sunday, 9 August.

The latest data indicate that dengue transmission is no longer concentrated solely in the capital. A significant number of new patients have been reported from several divisions across the country, with Khulna recording the highest number of admissions during the 24-hour period.

Khulna Division accounted for 140 new hospital admissions. Dhaka North City Corporation recorded 110 cases, while 91 patients were admitted from Dhaka South City Corporation. Chattogram Division reported another 88 admissions and Barishal Division 84.

Outside the two city corporations, Dhaka Division recorded 66 new patients. There were also 57 admissions in Rajshahi, 27 in Mymensingh, five in Rangpur and four in Sylhet.

The geographical spread of new cases is significant because it suggests that dengue transmission is affecting a broad range of urban and regional populations. While the capital remains a major centre of infection, the comparatively high number of admissions in Khulna, Chattogram and Barishal highlights the need for sustained surveillance and preventive measures beyond Dhaka.

Of the 19,345 people diagnosed with dengue so far this year, 61.5 per cent are men and 38.5 per cent are women. Health authorities also report that 17,000 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

The two latest deaths have taken the year’s fatality figure to 61. With both new infections and deaths continuing to be recorded, hospitals and health authorities face the challenge of maintaining adequate treatment capacity while efforts to control mosquito breeding sites remain essential.

Dengue is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can breed in relatively small amounts of stagnant water, including water collected in household containers, rooftop spaces, flower pots, discarded items, construction sites and other areas around homes and buildings. Regular inspection and removal of such breeding sites therefore remain central to prevention.

Public awareness is also important because Aedes mosquitoes are active mainly during the daytime. Wearing clothing that reduces exposed skin, using appropriate mosquito protection and keeping living spaces free from potential breeding sites can reduce the risk of infection.

Anyone developing a fever or other symptoms compatible with dengue should avoid ignoring the illness and seek medical advice. Early assessment can help determine whether testing, monitoring or treatment is required, particularly when symptoms become more severe.

The latest health authority figures underline the scale of the current outbreak:

The figures present a clear warning that dengue prevention cannot be limited to a particular city or locality. Eliminating stagnant water, maintaining clean surroundings, identifying mosquito breeding sites promptly and seeking medical attention for suspected cases are all crucial as infections continue to rise across different parts of the country.