Dengue, the mosquito-borne disease, is spreading persistently, defying seasonal patterns. Despite winter's arrival, dengue cases remain alarmingly high, with fatalities adding to the grim toll. 

On Friday, December 20, one more person died, and 83 individuals were hospitalized nationwide for dengue infection in the past 24 hours.

Entomologists attribute the relentless outbreak to the persistence of Aedes mosquito larvae in water accumulation sites, even after the monsoon season. These breeding grounds extend beyond typical rainwater collection points to unconventional areas such as multi-storey building parking lots, construction site basements, and household water storage containers. This year-round prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes, experts say, underscores the impact of climate change on the dengue epidemic.

According to data from the Health Emergency Operation Center under the Directorate General of Health Services, the situation is worsening. 

As of December 20, 2024, a staggering 99,888 individuals have contracted dengue, with 558 deaths recorded. The numbers for December alone are alarming, with 8,419 infections and 70 deaths reported in the first 20 days.

2023 marked the highest dengue toll in the country’s history, with 1,705 fatalities and 321,179 hospitalizations. 

Comparatively, during the same period in December 2023, 7,987 infections and 70 deaths were reported. This starkly contrasts with previous years: on December 20, 2022, there were 4,271 infections and 18 deaths, while in 2021, the figures stood at 994 cases of infection and five deaths. Notably, in December 2019, there were 1,667 infections but no deaths reported during that month.

Experts and public health officials point to climate change and inadequate dengue control measures by government agencies as key factors behind the continued spread of the disease during winter. 

Jahangirnagar University entomologist and professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar highlighted that Aedes mosquitoes are thriving in atypical breeding sites, such as construction sites and household water containers, independent of rainfall.

He also said, “Dengue is now a year-round disease. We need to adjust our preventive measures accordingly and focus on controlling Aedes mosquitoes in areas where they breed during winter. Dengue cases will not completely disappear; we must take consistent and targeted actions to mitigate its impact.”

BDST: 1200 HRS, DEC 21, 2024
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