Mosquito-borne diseases dengue and chikungunya have taken a severe toll across Dhaka and the rest of the country. Compared to last year, the outbreak has grown several times more intense in 2025, with infections rising sharply month after month. So far this year, dengue has claimed 179 lives — more than half of the patients died within 24 hours of hospital admission. According to the Directorate of Health, the number of dengue cases in 2025 has significantly surpassed last year’s figures. More than 18,000 people have already been infected this September alone. Alongside dengue, chikungunya and viral fever are spreading rapidly, though exact statistics are unavailable. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, while almost every household is reporting cases of fever. Many sufferers are also experiencing severe joint pain and unusual physical weakness.

Last year, dengue claimed 8 lives in June, 14 in July, 30 in August, and 87 in September. As in previous years, the highest number of cases and deaths have been reported in September.

Experts’ Advice

Health experts stress that eliminating mosquitoes is the only effective way to prevent dengue and chikungunya. They also emphasize that awareness and responsibility at both personal and family levels are essential.

Emeritus Professor Dr. ABM Abdullah said, “Our enemy is well known — the mosquito. Once confined to cities, it has now spread nationwide. Intermittent rainfall and stagnant water are fueling mosquito breeding. We must clear water from places like under refrigerators, beside air conditioners, flower pots, rooftops, or discarded tires. Alongside government initiatives, every household must take responsibility. Without mosquito control, we cannot stop diseases like dengue, chikungunya, or Zika.”

Public health expert Dr. Lelin Chowdhury added, “The Aedes mosquito is the carrier of both dengue and chikungunya. Therefore, mosquito control must now be the top public health priority. Although experts have been warning since the beginning of the year, no coordinated mosquito eradication program has been implemented at the central or local level. As a result, the disease is spreading beyond cities into rural areas. Without effective measures, the risk will become even more alarming.”