Bangladesh is grappling with its most severe dengue outbreak ever, with over 1,000 people succumbing to the mosquito-borne disease since January, including more than 100 children. The outbreak has seen infections soar to over 208,000, a stark contrast to previous years when dengue cases peaked during the monsoon season. The crisis has been exacerbated by rising temperatures linked to the climate crisis, driving the disease into areas away from urban centers for the first time.
The current dengue outbreak is almost four times deadlier than the previous year when 281 people lost their lives. September alone witnessed more than 79,600 reported cases and 396 deaths, according to Bangladesh health authorities.
A protracted monsoon season with warmer temperatures and irregular heavy rainfall created ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue. Hospitals and the healthcare system in Bangladesh have been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to shortages of beds and staff.
Dengue is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms, including severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, and, in some cases, internal bleeding and death. There is no specific treatment for the disease, and it is transmitted through mosquito bites.
While dengue has been endemic in Bangladesh, typically peaking during the monsoon season between July and September, this year's earlier and more widespread outbreak has raised concerns about the disease extending into the cooler months. Last year, dengue cases peaked in October, with most deaths recorded in November.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been assisting the Bangladeshi government and authorities in responding to the outbreak, emphasizing the need to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical management, vector control, risk communication, and community engagement.
As the planet continues to warm due to fossil fuel consumption, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever are expected to spread further and pose an increasing threat to human health. Dengue outbreaks have also been reported in South America, Asia, and parts of Africa, reflecting the global impact of climate change on the transmission of infectious diseases.
Public health experts in Bangladesh are calling for greater emphasis on dengue prevention measures, including early detection and access to adequate health services. Repeat infections of dengue can be more severe and even fatal.
WHO's alert and response director, Abdi Mahamud, referred to the outbreaks as a "canary in the coal mine of the climate crisis" and noted that "more and more countries" are experiencing "the heavy burden of these diseases" as climate change worsens.
Efforts to address and mitigate the impact of these diseases will require a multifaceted approach, including improved surveillance, healthcare infrastructure, and climate change mitigation measures.
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