Dengue fever continues to take a heavy toll in Bangladesh, with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reporting five additional deaths over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of dengue-related fatalities this year to 187. In the same period, 668 new patients have been admitted to hospitals, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the mosquito-borne disease.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday (September 24) by the DGHS Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room, the ongoing outbreak has placed a significant burden on healthcare facilities across the country. Since the start of 2025, a total of 43,841 people have been hospitalized due to dengue infections.

The DGHS data provides a breakdown of recent hospitalizations by division. In the last 24 hours, Barishal Division reported 158 admissions, Chattogram Division had 106, and the areas outside Dhaka City recorded 126 hospitalizations. Within Dhaka City, 94 patients were admitted in Dhaka North and 73 in Dhaka South. Other divisions also reported notable admissions, with Khulna at 41, Mymensingh at 30, Rajshahi at 35, and Rangpur at 5.

The fatalities over the last 24 hours occurred in Dhaka, with three deaths in Dhaka South and two in Dhaka North. Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance, particularly in urban centers where mosquito breeding conditions are more prevalent due to waterlogging and inadequate sanitation.

Healthcare officials continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to take preventive measures. These include eliminating stagnant water around homes, using mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and seeking early medical attention if dengue symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, or rashes develop.

Hospitals have been bracing for increased patient loads during peak dengue season. In addition to dedicated dengue wards, healthcare providers are coordinating with local health offices to ensure rapid diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Public health campaigns have been intensified in areas reporting high numbers of cases, particularly in Barishal, Chattogram, and Dhaka divisions, which consistently see the highest dengue hospitalizations.

Officials also highlight that early detection and proper medical management are crucial in reducing fatalities. Severe dengue, if untreated, can lead to complications such as hemorrhagic fever and organ failure, which underscores the importance of timely hospital admission. The DGHS continues to collect and analyze data to track trends, identify hotspots, and deploy resources where they are needed most.

This year’s dengue outbreak has seen a sharp increase in cases compared to previous years, reflecting both environmental factors and urban population density. The government has called on citizens to cooperate with vector control efforts, including fumigation, cleanliness drives, and community awareness programs.

In addition to medical response, local authorities are emphasizing preventive action at the community level. Coordination between municipal authorities, health workers, and neighborhood committees aims to reduce mosquito breeding grounds and educate residents about the signs of dengue fever.

As dengue hospitalizations and fatalities continue to rise, the DGHS has urged residents not to ignore symptoms and to seek care immediately. The agency also warned that without sustained community action and preventive measures, the outbreak could intensify further.

With thousands of people affected so far this year, the ongoing dengue situation remains a serious public health concern in Bangladesh. Authorities are urging vigilance, rapid treatment, and adherence to preventive measures to control the spread of the disease and minimize further loss of life.