Dengue cases surge outside Dhaka as districts account for 78% of hospital cases

Dengue infections are rising rapidly outside Dhaka, with districts accounting for 78% of all hospitalised patients and more than half of the deaths recorded so far this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Experts say the trend reflects the spread of the virus beyond its traditional urban centre and highlights the need for stronger mosquito control measures and healthcare preparedness nationwide, rather than a strategy focused solely on Dhaka.

Bangladesh has reported 5,317 dengue cases so far this year, including 4,888 outside Dhaka, according to DGHS data as of yesterday. Of the 12 dengue-related deaths recorded, seven were reported outside the capital.

Dr Khabirul Bashar, a public health expert and professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University, told TBS that dengue transmission follows an "epidemic cycle" once the virus becomes established in an area.

"The spread of dengue depends on three factors: the virus, the mosquito vector and the susceptible human population," he said.

Dhaka's long history of dengue outbreaks means a large share of residents have already been exposed to the virus, reducing the pool of susceptible people. In contrast, infections are rising quickly in districts where many people have not previously been infected, according to the expert. 

He said dengue is gradually spreading from Dhaka to other parts of the country, creating new hotspots.

Coastal districts such as Barguna, Barishal, Patuakhali and Pirojpur are already experiencing rising infections, while Cox's Bazar and Chattogram are also at risk, he said, warning that cases could increase further in Gazipur, Manikganj, Narsingdi, Chandpur, Madaripur and Mymensingh in the coming months.

"This is part of epidemiological forecasting, where different factors are analysed to identify future risks," he said, stressing that healthcare quality plays a critical role in determining dengue mortality.

"Where patient management is strong, mortality remains low. Where healthcare systems are weaker, deaths tend to be higher," he opined.

According to DGHS data, Barishal division has recorded the highest number of dengue hospitalisations this year, with 1,440 cases. Chattogram follows with 1,019 cases, while areas outside Dhaka's city corporations reported 668 cases.

Khulna recorded 580 cases, Rajshahi 191 and Mymensingh 143. Rangpur and Sylhet reported comparatively low numbers, with 30 and 60 cases respectively.

Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, former disease control director of the health directorate, said large cities have mosquito control programmes, but outside Dhaka there has been little effective action against dengue so far, urging authorities to focus on smaller municipalities and rural areas. 

To strengthen prevention efforts, the government has formed a 19-member national dengue taskforce led by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.

The taskforce conducted its first field-level inspection and awareness campaign in Gulshan-2 yesterday. The state minister said officials were assessing health, waste management and awareness activities and would continue drives two to three days a week across different areas.

Meanwhile, two more people died and 157 patients were admitted to hospitals nationwide in the last 24 hours until 8am yesterday. In the capital, 11 new patients were from Dhaka North City Corporation and 28 from Dhaka South.

The latest deaths occurred in Mymensingh division with three more new cases.