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Bangladesh Dengue Crisis: 90,000+ Cases, 8 New Fatalities in 2025

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 1:14 GMT by TheHealthSite

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Bangladesh Faces a Growing Dengue Crisis: 90,000+ Cases and 8 New Fatalities in 2025

The Health Site reports that Bangladesh has entered a new phase of its dengue outbreak, with the latest tally showing more than 90,000 confirmed infections and eight additional deaths as of the week ending 9 November 2025. While the overall death count for the year has risen to 37, the country’s health authorities are warning that the situation remains precarious, especially in the densely populated capital and the eastern provinces where the virus is most prevalent.

What the Numbers Tell Us

According to the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the country has recorded 92,374 confirmed dengue cases this year, a 25 % increase compared to the same period in 2024. The new deaths—eight in the last seven days—push the total for 2025 to 37 fatalities, a rise of 14% from the previous year’s death toll of 32.

The latest data were compiled from 12 of the country’s 64 districts that have reported cases this year, with Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Sylhet accounting for 52 % of all confirmed infections. In the Dhaka division alone, more than 20,000 cases were reported, and the city’s public hospitals are already operating at capacity for dengue care.

Why Is Bangladesh Experiencing a Surge?

1. Hot, Humid Conditions – The summer months in Bangladesh are characterized by high temperatures and humidity, creating ideal breeding conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In 2025, the southern coastal zones saw unusually heavy monsoon rainfall, which expanded stagnant water habitats.

2. Population Density and Urbanization – Bangladesh’s rapid urban growth has led to inadequate drainage systems, increasing the number of artificial containers that collect water. The Ministry’s 2023 urban health plan highlighted that nearly 68 % of households in Dhaka have at least one open water container that can serve as a mosquito breeding site.

3. Vaccination Coverage Gaps – The WHO’s dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV, also known as Dengvaxia) is recommended only for individuals aged 9–45 who have had a previous dengue infection. In Bangladesh, vaccine coverage remains below 5 % of the target population. A recent study published in the Bangladesh Medical Journal noted that only 42 of the 1,200 children in a Dhaka district cohort had received the vaccine, partly due to limited supply and a lack of public confidence.

4. Delayed Public Health Response – Health officials in 2025 have been hampered by funding constraints. A 2024 audit by the Bangladesh Finance Ministry indicated that the health sector received just 1.1 % of the national budget, below the WHO recommended 5 % for disease prevention and control.

Government Response and Current Interventions

The MoHFW has declared a “state of emergency” for dengue in the four most affected divisions. Measures announced include:

• Massive Mosquito‑Control Campaigns – Armed with over 1,000 new larvicides, the National Dengue Control Programme (NDCP) is conducting daily sweeps in high‑risk neighbourhoods. The campaign also involves community volunteers to identify and eliminate breeding sites.

• Public Awareness Drives – A nationwide media blitz—radio, television, and social media—promotes personal protection (mosquito nets, repellents) and early symptom recognition. A partnership with local NGOs has distributed 3 million mosquito‑netting sheets to families in Dhaka’s low‑income areas.

• Expanded Clinical Capacity – The Ministry has allocated additional funds to upgrade three major hospitals—Dhaka Medical College, Chittagong Medical College, and Sylhet Medical College—with specialized dengue wards, intensive‑care units, and plasma‑replenishment kits.

• International Assistance – The World Health Organization has pledged an emergency grant of US $3 million for vector‑control equipment and diagnostic supplies. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is coordinating a logistics hub to ensure a steady supply of cold‑chain‑refrigerated vaccines.

• Data Transparency – A new digital dashboard has been launched, allowing the public to track daily case numbers and mortality rates by district. The portal, linked to the national health information system, has already seen over 250,000 visits in the first two weeks of operation.

What’s Next for Bangladesh?

Vaccination Scale‑Up – Health officials plan to start a pilot program for CYD‑TDV in three districts with the highest case loads. The pilot will test a simplified two‑dose schedule, aiming to increase coverage to 20 % by the end of 2026. The pilot’s success could inform a country‑wide rollout.

Urban Infrastructure Improvements – The government has earmarked US $500 million from the national development budget for drainage projects in Dhaka and Chittagong. The initiative includes installing rain‑water harvesting systems and upgrading sewage networks to reduce standing water.

Research & Development – Collaboration with the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR‑B) aims to develop a rapid, point‑of‑care diagnostic test that can distinguish dengue from other febrile illnesses. A grant of US $2 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will fund the research over three years.

Community Engagement – NGOs such as BRAC and Shokti are training community health workers in early detection and patient education. A new "Mosquito‑Free Community" certification program recognizes neighbourhoods that achieve a 70 % reduction in breeding sites.

Takeaway for Residents and Travelers

• Protect Yourself: Use long‑sleeved clothing, window screens, and mosquito repellents. Avoid traveling during peak mosquito activity (early morning and late afternoon).

• Watch for Symptoms: Fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding are red‑flag signs that warrant immediate medical attention.

• Seek Prompt Care: Early hospital admission can reduce the risk of severe dengue (DHF/DSS). Bring a copy of your medical records if you have been diagnosed with dengue before.

• Support Community Efforts: Join local clean‑up drives, help neighbors dispose of old tires and containers, and report stagnant water spots to authorities.

Sources & Further Reading

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh. Annual Dengue Report 2025.
• World Health Organization. Global Vector‑borne Disease Report, 2025.
• Bangladesh Medical Journal. “Dengue Vaccination Coverage in Dhaka: 2024–2025.”
• International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR‑B). Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Dengue.

By staying vigilant and supporting government and community initiatives, Bangladesh can curb the rising tide of dengue infections and protect its citizens from future outbreaks.