Bangladesh has been hit by its most severe dengue fever outbreak on
record, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities this year. (Reported By Dr. Shamim, 04/10/2023)
This alarming surge of mosquito-borne illness, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, has left the country grappling with more than 210,000 reported cases since January 1, putting immense strain on its delicate healthcare system. Disturbingly, among the deceased are over 100 children under 16. This staggering death toll far surpasses the 281 dengue-related fatalities recorded in Bangladesh for the entirety of last year.
Globally, documented cases of dengue fever have skyrocketed eightfold between 2000 and 2022, as reported by the World Health Organization. Raman Velayudhan, in charge of the WHO's program for controlling neglected tropical diseases, revealed in July that nearly 50% of the world's people is now at risk of contracting the infection. Furthermore,
Asia bears the lion's share of the global disease burden, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. In an August report, the WHO noted the abnormal rise in patients during an atypical season in Bangladesh, attributing it to excessive rainfall, waterlogging, flooding, elevated temperatures, and irregular shifts in the country's traditional seasons.
Dengue is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes species, which can also carry the Zika and chikungunya viruses. This disease is generally found in tropical and subtropical regions. In Bangladesh, dengue cases typically coincide with the rainy season from May to September and the associated higher temperatures, according to the WHO. While most individuals infected with the virus remain asymptomatic, those who display symptoms often exhibit high fever, headaches, nausea, body aches, and rashes. In rare cases, dengue can prove fatal, with individuals who have been infected previously facing an increased risk of developing severe dengue. The mortality rates for untreated patients can reach as high as 13%, as reported by the U.S. CDC and Prevention.
Unfortunately, there are currently no drug interventions available for dengue. Treatment mainly focuses on alleviating pain and managing symptoms. Recognizing the infection at an early stage can significantly reduce fatality rates. The Americas also experienced significant dengue outbreaks this year, particularly in Brazil and Peru, with the latter enduring its largest outbreak during the spring and summer months. According to reports from Reuters, medical professionals in Sudan have issued warnings about the spread of dengue due to seasonal rains. Furthermore, the virus is emerging in new regions, prompting the European CDP and Control to issue a mosquito-borne illness advisory in June.
In Bangladesh, dengue cases have been reported in all 64 districts of the country, with the densely populated capital city of Dhaka being severely impacted. In response to the crisis in Bangladesh, Save the Children, a humanitarian organization based in the United Kingdom released a statement emphasizing the importance of recognizing that every case of dengue represents an individual deserving of a healthy and happy life.
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