One of the most problematic diseases for Bangladesh is its dengue crisis where recent figures reveal the total of cases and deaths caused this year. 494 individuals have succumbed to the disease, and 92,351 have been diagnosed this year nationwide, as of December 1. Health Director General Prof Dr Abu Zafar addressed a press briefing, emphasizing that the mortality rate could be attributed to patients delaying hospital visits. This delay, combined with public complacency, has hampered treatment effectiveness, leading to the increasing death toll. While Dhaka has seen the highest mortality rates in decades, Chattogram reports higher fatalities among children and the elderly.

Additionally, concern over other mosquito-borne diseases like the Zika virus and Chikungunya is growing, although Dr Zafar reassures the public there’s no immediate cause for alarm regarding these illnesses. The spread of dengue into rural areas is a recent development, and last year's death toll was notably higher, indicating fluctuating trends across regions such as Khulna, Barisal, and Mymensingh. Officials continue to call for increased awareness and prompt medical attention to mitigate further escalation.

Source: BSS News