Bangladesh: Nationwide dengue fever outbreak continues as of September 17 /update 1

Event

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), at least 82,454 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been recorded nationwide as of Tuesday, September 17, since January. In the first half of September, 10,742 cases have been reported, showing a slight decrease compared to August. Authorities have recorded 68 dengue-related deaths this year, though the unofficial record is thought to be much higher.

The rainy season, which lasts until October, usually corresponds with increased number of cases. Further spread of the disease is possible in the coming weeks.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

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.).