Dengue claims 299 lives this year as infections approach 100,000

Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is intensifying, with four more deaths and 1,631 new hospital admissions recorded in the 24 hours to Saturday morning, pushing this year’s death toll to 299 and the cumulative number of hospitalised patients to 97,082, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The DGHS data, released on Saturday (October 10), showed that 89,380 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital so far this year. The four latest fatalities comprised two men and two women; of the 299 deaths recorded in 2026, women account for 51.9 per cent and men for 48.1 per cent. Moreover, the outbreak has escalated sharply since May after a relatively subdued start to the year. No deaths were reported in March or April, but fatalities climbed to 13 in June, 36 in July and 43 in August. September proved especially devastating, with 148 deaths and 43,774 admissions, and in the first 10 days of October alone, a further 17,462 patients were hospitalised and 54 people died, including 10 on October 6, the highest single-day toll of the year.

Geographically, Dhaka and Khulna divisions have borne the brunt of the fatalities. Dhaka South City Corporation recorded 80 deaths, followed by Dhaka North City Corporation with 36, while another 17 occurred elsewhere in Dhaka Division. Among the remaining divisions, Khulna reported 61 deaths, Chattogram and Barishal 26 each, Mymensingh 23, Rajshahi 21, Rangpur six and Sylhet three.

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With infections approaching 100,000, public health experts have voiced concern over the severity of the outbreak and the risk of complications associated with different dengue virus serotypes. Consequently, the DGHS has urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, drain stagnant water, and keep their surroundings clean. Furthermore, anyone who develops a fever or other symptoms has been advised to seek prompt medical attention and undergo appropriate testing, since early diagnosis remains crucial to averting severe illness.