Published: 11:09 PM, 11 September 2026
Consequential Steps Must Be Taken to Curb Dengue Outbreak
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
In the past, whenever monsoon clouds danced across the sky, the inevitable shadow of a silent killer would descend upon this lush green delta. In recent times, however, the year-round buzzing of Aedes mosquitoes has been accompanied by the mournful sounds of weeping in households everywhere. Across this fertile land of Bengal, the deadly disease of dengue is scripting a tale of relentless sorrow; precious lives are constantly being lost to its toxic bite.
The outbreak of dengue across Bangladesh has reached alarming proportions. The virus is spreading rapidly this season, with people constantly falling ill from Aedes mosquito bites. The nationwide spread of the disease has disrupted public life, and unless appropriate measures are taken immediately, the crisis will only intensify.
Among the administrative divisions of Bangladesh, the dengue situation in the Dhaka division is particularly concerning this season. As of September 8, 2026, 8,340 people have been infected with dengue in Dhaka district. The number of cases recorded in Gazipur district stands at 1,250. In Narayanganj district, 1,020 patients have been hospitalized this season. Tangail district has reported 540 dengue cases, while Narsingdi district has seen 410 infections. Currently, 230 patients in Manikganj district and 210 in Munshiganj district are undergoing treatment. Faridpur district has identified 450 dengue patients so far, and the figure for Rajbari district stands at 320. In Shariatpur district, 250 people have contracted dengue fever, while Madaripur district has recorded 280 cases. Additionally, 310 dengue patients are receiving treatment at government hospitals in Gopalganj district.
The spread of dengue in the Chattogram division is also causing panic among the general public. Chattogram district has identified 4,120 dengue patients, while the number of cases in Cox's Bazar district stands at 1,560. In Cumilla district, 1,120 people have been infected with the disease, and Feni district has reported 740 cases during this period. In Noakhali district, 890 patients have been infected with the dengue virus. In Lakshmipur district, 510 people have contracted dengue fever. A total of 720 dengue patients have been identified in Chandpur district this season. In Brahmanbaria district, 610 cases have been officially recorded. In the Hill Tracts districts, 230 people in Rangamati, 190 in Bandarban, and 170 in Khagrachhari have been infected with dengue.
The spread of dengue is accelerating rapidly in the Khulna division this season. A total of 2,350 dengue patients have been identified in Khulna district. The number of cases in Jashore district stands at 1,420. In Kushtia district, 890 dengue patients have been identified during this period. A total of 640 dengue patients have been officially recorded in Jhenaidah district. In Magura district, 310 cases have been recorded. In Narail district, 250 dengue patients have been identified. The number of cases in Satkhira district stands at 520. In Bagerhat district, 410 people have contracted dengue fever. In Chuadanga and Meherpur districts, 340 and 210 dengue patients, respectively, have been admitted to hospitals for treatment.
The deteriorating dengue situation in the Barishal division this season has caused extreme public concern. In Barishal district, 2,610 dengue patients have sought hospital care. The number of cases in Patuakhali district has been recorded at 1,280. A total of 920 dengue patients have been identified in Bhola district during this period. In Pirojpur district, 730 people have contracted dengue fever. The number of cases in Barguna district stands at 540. In Jhalakathi district, 420 dengue patients have been identified. Special corners for dengue patients have been opened in every hospital across the division.
The dengue infection situation in the Rajshahi division is becoming increasingly complex day by day this season. A total of 1,410 dengue patients have been identified in Rajshahi district. The number of cases in Bogura district is 1,150. In Pabna district, 920 people have contracted dengue fever. In Sirajganj district, 780 cases have been recorded. In Natore district, 420 patients have been hospitalized. In Naogaon district, 510 dengue patients have been identified. The number of cases in Chapainawabganj district has been reported as 460. In Joypurhat district, 280 people have contracted dengue fever.
In the Rangpur division, the number of dengue patients this season is somewhat lower compared to other divisions. In Rangpur district, 580 dengue patients have been identified. The number of cases in Dinajpur district stands at 890. In Gaibandha district, 360 people have been affected by dengue. In Kurigram district, 310 patients have been hospitalized during this period. In Nilphamari district, 250 cases have been recorded. In Lalmonirhat district, 220 dengue patients have been found. In Panchagarh district, 190 cases have been identified. In Thakurgaon district, 210 people have contracted dengue fever.
In the Mymensingh division, the prevalence of dengue fever is rising at an alarming rate this season. In Mymensingh district, 1,280 dengue patients have been identified. The number of cases in Jamalpur district has been reported as 690. In Netrokona district, 510 people have contracted dengue during this period. In Sherpur district, 380 cases have been recorded. All-out efforts are underway to keep the dengue outbreak in the Sylhet division relatively under control this season. A total of 480 dengue patients have been identified in Sylhet district. The number of infected individuals stands at 210 in Sunamganj district, while 320 people have contracted the disease in Habiganj district. In Moulvibazar district, 290 cases have been recorded.
Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can be utilized to map dengue-affected areas. By identifying hotspots, rapid mosquito-control operations can be launched in those locations. Technology also enables the forecasting of mosquito density. Accurate data analysis facilitates proactive preparation for dengue control. The proper use of scientific data is a key tool in combating dengue.
Dengue prevention oversight committees need to be formed in every district and upazila. Large-scale distribution of awareness-raising leaflets must be maintained in every upazila. The general public should be encouraged to use mosquito nets. People should be advised to undergo immediate dengue testing if symptoms of fever appear.
Dengue testing kits must be supplied to every district. Regular operations to destroy larvae should be conducted in various locations. Mosquito-killing agents need to be sprayed in drains and stagnant water bodies. Stagnant water must be removed from rooftops and flowerpots. Teachers and students should conduct cleanliness drives within educational institutions. We must renew our commitment to building a dengue-free society through coordinated efforts.
Finally, a collective effort is required to curb the alarming spread of dengue across the country. The proper application of scientific methods and technology offers a permanent solution to this problem. A clean environment and public awareness are the primary means of staying free from dengue. Let us keep our homes and surroundings clean at all times. Let us adhere to government guidelines and health protocols to prevent dengue. By raising awareness for the public good, let us build a healthy and beautiful Bangladesh.
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
is an essayist and
an anti-narcotics campaigner.
