Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak has surpassed 50,000 cases this year, prompting renewed calls for stronger government action to contain the mosquito-borne disease.
Health officials reported 782 new infections and three deaths Sunday, raising the total to 50,689 cases and 215 fatalities, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. Experts warned that infections will likely peak in October and remain high through January.
Entomologists urged authorities to intensify mosquito-control efforts, including targeted cleanup of breeding sites and nationwide awareness campaigns. “Stopping it completely now is almost impossible,” said Prof. Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University, adding that community participation is essential.
Officials said most recent deaths occurred within a day of hospital admission, underscoring the dangers of delayed treatment. Hospitals remain stocked with testing kits and medicines, but health experts say only coordinated national action can prevent further deaths.