Bangladesh undergoing the worst ever dengue outbreak: Key points

A densely populated country in South Asia, Bangladesh is currently suffering because of a severe dengue outbreak. The dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and is turning into a grave danger for the people infected and residents of Bangladesh. Currently, it is not just the infected people who are suffering but also the healthcare system of the country, with hospitals filled to the brim and many not getting beds for treatment. This 2023 outbreak is severe, and resembles the 2019 one a lot but only this time it came back worse.
As reported by Dhaka Tribune, “On September 29, Bangladesh witnessed the number of dengue cases surpass 200,000. Subsequently, in the next 51 days, dengue-related hospitalizations soared to over 300,000, highlighting a substantial increase of over 100,000 cases within a relatively short time frame.”
Dhaka Tribune further noted, “With 1,554 fatalities reported this year, the highest death toll in Bangladesh's history since the first detection in 2000, the country is also struggling to control the number of deaths. Notably, deaths due to dengue peaked in September 2023, with 396 fatalities in a single month, an unprecedented occurrence in Bangladesh.”

While the dengue fever and the mosquito causing it subsides post the humid, rainy season, this time, even as a chilly wind spreads around the world, Aedes is not leaving Bangladesh. Experts suggest that the primary reason for an extended dengue is climate change. The already tropical climate of Bangladesh provides the perfect breeding ground for Dengue, and now, with climate change, the breeding time for Aedes has extended even further. With the increased urbanization and high-rise buildings in the cramped Bangladesh, these mosquitoes are getting even more standing water and ponds to breed. While the authorities have been performing regular fumigation, the infection just does not seem to stop.

Further, the DENV2 variant, identified as the most severe one yet of dengue, has been identified as a major cause of the outbreak in Bangladesh. According to the WHO "DENV2 has been identified as the primary circulating serotype in this outbreak, and this may result in more severe dengue infections and hospitalizations as a result of a second infection with a heterologous serotype. Of the 66 serotyped samples in the month of June 2023, DENV2 (51.5%) and DENV3 (43.9%) were identified as the circulating serotypes."

The dengue fever as most people know it is caused by the Aedes mosquito. But, scientists and researchers say that even Dengue has increased itself into 4 variants or strains. These are named as DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4, and out of these, the DENV2 is considered the deadliest and most fatal strain. According to several experts and specialists, DENV-2 has the potential to cause severe conditions such as dengue shock syndrome and even multi-organ failure. The likelihood of complications appears to be slightly elevated when exposed to this novel strain. Human beings develop immunity against the dengue strain they are infected with, but are not safe from the other strains.

The initial symptoms of Dengue include sudden high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, pain behind the eyes and disturbing rashes. As the situation in Dhaka is getting out of hand and people have been experiencing severe dengue symptoms, experts have been noticing abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding nose and gums and in extreme cases, breathing difficulties.

The WHO, speaking on the dengue situation, released a statement back in August. The release said, “The pre-monsoon Aedes survey shows that the density of mosquitoes, and the number of potential hotspots is at the highest level in the past five years. The higher incidence of dengue is taking place in the context of an unusual episodic amount of rainfall, combined with high temperatures and high humidity, which have resulted in an increased mosquito population throughout Bangladesh.”

It is also remarked, “Dengue virus has the potential to cause epidemics resulting in high morbidity and mortality.”

While India is safe right now from any possible dengue outbreaks, it is wise to know how to stay protected for your well-being.