Bangladesh is facing one of its worst dengue outbreaks, with nearly 30,000 cases and 173 deaths reported in November alone, according to official data.
In the past 24 hours, six additional dengue-related deaths were confirmed, bringing the total fatalities for the year to 494, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). November accounted for a significant portion of the crisis, with 29,652 infections recorded.
The death toll this year follows a record-breaking 1,705 dengue-related fatalities in 2023, the deadliest year for the mosquito-borne disease in the country’s history.
Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, causes high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
In response to the outbreak, authorities have increased efforts to control mosquito populations. These include widespread larvicide spraying and public health campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.