Dengue death toll rises to 61 in Bangladesh

Bangladesh desk: Bangladesh has reported one more dengue-related death in the 24-hour period ending Friday morning, pushing this year’s death toll from the mosquito-borne virus to 61.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed the information on Friday.

During the same period, 114 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases this year to 16,395.

The DGHS provided a breakdown of new infections by region: 43 cases in Chattogram Division, 31 in Dhaka Division (excluding the capital), 10 in Barishal Division, 1 in Mymensingh Division, 10 in Dhaka North City Corporation, and 19 in Dhaka South City Corporation.

Although this year’s numbers remain below the record levels of 2023, the continued rise in infections has raised concerns. Last year was the deadliest on record, with 1,705 dengue-related deaths. The total number of infections reached 321,179, with 318,749 patients reported recovered.

Health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially during the monsoon season when mosquito breeding tends to surge. Efforts are ongoing to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito, the primary vector of the disease.