Dengue death toll hits 89; experts warn of Aug surge

Three more dengue patients died and 319 others were hospitalised in the 24 hours till yesterday morning.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), two of the latest deaths were reported from Chattogram division, and one from the Dhaka South City Corporation area.

With the latest figures, the total number of dengue-related deaths has risen to 89, while the number of recorded cases stands at 22,384 so far this year.

Experts have warned that the situation may deteriorate significantly in August due to the prevailing rainfall pattern, which creates ideal conditions for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes -- the primary vector of the virus.

"Intermittent rain is highly favourable for the spread of the dengue virus, which is already present across the country," said entomologist GM Saifur Rahman.

He said Aedes mosquitoes tend to be more active during overcast or gloomy weather, which has persisted nationwide. "During the monsoon, the number of dengue cases can be up to nine times higher than during the dry season," he added.

Saifur urged the public to take preventive measures, such as wearing full-sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets, and conducting regular cleaning drives at home to eliminate breeding grounds -- particularly on rooftops.

He also criticised the authorities for failing to conduct effective anti-mosquito drives. "They often neglect proper operations in infected areas and even in homes where cases are reported," he said.

Jahangirnagar University entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar warned that dengue cases in August could be at least three times higher than in July, with the possibility of further increase in September.

"The current rain pattern is one of the main drivers behind the surge. Once an outbreak begins, cases tend to rise at a geometric rate," said Bashar.

He stressed the importance of widespread larvae control and elimination of breeding sites. "When both the mosquito population and the number of infected individuals rise simultaneously, the disease spreads rapidly."

Bashar called for targeted hotspot interventions around the residences of dengue patients to kill adult mosquitoes and prevent further transmission.

He also highlighted the urgency of mosquito control in hospitals, warning that they can become transmission hubs if Aedes mosquitoes bite infected patients and then others.

"Without active community involvement in removing breeding sources at the household level, dengue will be difficult to control," he added.