Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - Bangladesh recorded the highest number of single-day dengue-related deaths this year as five patients succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease today.
The deaths occurred within the last 24 hours, as of 8:00am today, according to a report by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The fatalities are revealing a bleak sign in the ongoing dengue outbreak across the country.
In addition to the deaths, 534 new dengue cases were reported nationwide, highlighting the continued spread of the virus.
Dhaka, the capital city, remains as a hotspot for the outbreak of dengue, but other regions, including Chattogram and Khulna divisions, are also grappling with the disease.
Among the five deaths reported today, two occurred in Dhaka.
Two additional deaths were reported from Chattogram division while one patient died in Khulna division.
These deaths have pushed the total number of dengue fatalities this year to 102, marking a sharp increase as the monsoon season exacerbates mosquito breeding conditions.
The number of new cases continues to rise,bringing the total number of reported dengue cases to 16,819 so far this year.
Notably, the spread of dengue has expanded beyond Dhaka, with 9,527 cases reported from regions outside the capital.
The surge in cases has put significant pressure on healthcare facilities across the country.
As of today, 1,664 patients are currently undergoing treatment for dengue.
Of these, 726 are receiving care in hospitals located outside Dhaka. The remaining 938 patients are being treated within Dhaka's healthcare system, where hospitals have been struggling to manage the increasing number of dengue admissions.
The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh has been particularly severe this year, with both the number of cases and fatalities climbing rapidly.
Dengue is transmitted through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in stagnant water, a common occurrence during Bangladesh's monsoon season.
Health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures, such as using mosquito nets, eliminating sources of standing water and seeking early medical attention if symptoms of dengue appear.
Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain. In severe cases, dengue can lead to hemorrhagic fever which can causes organ failure and death.
The Directorate General of Health Services is closely monitoring the situation and has been issuing regular updates on the spread of the disease.
Public health campaigns are underway to raise awareness about dengue prevention and to encourage people to maintain cleanliness around their homes and neighborhoods to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Additionally, hospitals are scaling up their capacities to handle the influx of dengue patients, especially in Dhaka, where the majority of cases continue to be concentrated.
The continued rise in both cases and deaths has raised concerns about the country's preparedness to tackle the outbreak, particularly as the rainy season persists, providing favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Public health experts are warning that without sustained and coordinated efforts, the situation could deteriorate further in the coming weeks.
As authorities ramp up their response efforts, individuals are being urged to take personal precautions to mitigate the spread of dengue and protect themselves from the potentially deadly virus.
BBN/TA/SS