Dengue Outbreak in Bangladesh: A Threat to Public

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas within tropical and subtropical regions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by utilizing secondary data sourced from the governmental dashboard from January 2020 to December 2024 which consolidates and displays pre-analyzed information on reported dengue cases and fatalities throughout Bangladesh. Results: During 2020, minimal dengue-related data was recorded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3 deaths among 1,405 reported cases. The subsequent years showed a rise in cases, with 28,429 and 62,382 reported in 2021 and 2022 respectively. There was fivefold (321,179 cases) increase in dengue cases in 2023, and setting a new record. In 2024, a total of 101,214 dengue cases were documented. Deaths attributed to dengue were 105 in 2021 and increased to 281 in 2022 which was followed by 1,705 deaths in 2023, making it the deadliest year thus far. However, fatalities declined to 575 in 2024. Males accounted for 63.1% of patients with predominant female fatalities (over 51%). The age group most affected in both 2023 and 2024 was 21-25 years. The highest number of deaths occurred in the 36-40 age group in 2023 (165 fatalities) while 56 deaths were noted in the 25-30 age group in 2024. In 2024, the Dhaka North City Corporation reported the highest incidence of dengue cases (21,254), while the Dhaka South City Corporation recorded the most fatalities (239). Conclusion: The risk of dengue becoming a major public health issue in Bangladesh is alarming due to the country’s dense population and favorable conditions for mosquito proliferation.

Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 58 No (1) June 2025, pp 48-54