Deadly Dengue Outbreak in Bangladesh: Rising Death Toll and Endemic Disease

Strategic Insights -

Bangladesh has witnessed its deadliest dengue outbreak this year, with 80 deaths recorded in October alone, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The health authorities logged a total of 2,250 dengue cases in October, marking the year's highest monthly total. The death toll has reached 278 in 10 months, with 134 deaths reported in Dhaka South City Corporation, 41 in Dhaka North City Corporation, and 40 in Barishal division. Despite the rising death toll, the DGHS Director General, Prof Dr Md. Abu Jafor, stated that the number of dengue infections is higher than last year but the death rate is lower.

Key Takeaways:

  • The deadliest month for dengue fever in Bangladesh this year was October, with 80 deaths and 2,250 cases reported.
  • The total death toll from dengue fever has reached 278 in 10 months, with 134 deaths reported in Dhaka South City Corporation and 41 in Dhaka North City Corporation.
  • The number of dengue infections is higher than last year, but the death rate is lower.
  • Barishal City Corporation recorded the highest 17,224 dengue cases over the first ten months of 2025, followed by Dhaka division (outside city areas) with 11,548.
  • 1,162 fresh cases of dengue onslaughts were recorded on Sunday, killing at least five persons.
  • Health experts attribute the growing menace of dengue to the impacts of climate change, which have expanded mosquito habitats and led to more frequent and intense outbreaks.
  • Experts warn that traditional control measures such as fogging and larvicide use may no longer be sufficient due to evolving mosquito behaviour and breeding patterns.
  • Public health authorities fear that Dengue could become a year-round threat if urgent coordinated action is not taken.

Statistics:

  • 80 deaths and 2,250 cases reported in October
  • Total death toll from dengue fever: 278 in 10 months
  • 17,224 dengue cases recorded in Barishal City Corporation over the first ten months of 2025
  • 11,548 dengue cases recorded in Dhaka division (outside city areas) over the first ten months of 2025
  • 1,162 fresh dengue cases recorded on Sunday, with at least 5 deaths
  • 69,862 confirmed dengue cases this year
  • 575 deaths from dengue in 2023

Sources:

  • The New Nation
  • Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
  • HT Digital Content Services