Bangladesh: Nationwide record-high dengue outbreak

Event

Health officials in Bangladesh have recorded 24,804 cases of dengue fever nationwide as of Sunday, August 4. In July 2019 alone, officials reported more cases of dengue fever during the month - approximately 13,182 people infected - than was recorded in all of 2018. Authorities have also recorded 18 dengue-related deaths this year, though the unofficial record is thought to be much higher.

Cases of dengue have been found in all 64 districts of the country, with particularly high case rates in Jamalpur (North), Kurigram, Gaibandha, Sylhet (Northeast), Sirajganj, Tangail, Sunamganj, Bogra (North), Bandarban (Southeast). The start of the rainy season usually corresponds with increased incidence rates.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. In a small number of cases, the potentially deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may develop, resulting in internal bleeding, enlargement of the liver, and high fever.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).