Dengue Outbreak in Bangladesh: Climate Crisis Fuels a Record-Breaking Epidemic
Image Source: Al Jazeera
Bangladesh is grappling with its worst dengue outbreak on record, with over 1,000 deaths and more than 208,000 reported infections since January, including over 100 children. Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease endemic in the South Asian country, usually peaks during the monsoon season between July and September. However, this year, the outbreak began earlier in late April. Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and erratic, heavy rainfall, has created ideal conditions for the Aedes mosquito, the dengue vector.
The influx of dengue patients has overwhelmed Bangladesh’s healthcare system, leading to a shortage of beds and healthcare workers. The fatality rate from this year’s outbreak is nearly four times higher than the previous year, with over 79,600 cases and 396 deaths reported in September alone.
There is growing concern that the outbreak could continue into the cooler months, which is unusual. In the previous year, dengue cases peaked in October, with most deaths occurring in November. The situation has sparked calls for increased focus on dengue prevention measures, early detection, and improved access to healthcare services.
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms, including severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, and, in severe cases, internal bleeding and death. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. There is no specific treatment for the disease.
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries, and each year, 100 million to 400 million people become infected worldwide. In the past, outbreaks were mainly confined to densely-populated urban areas, but this year, the infection has spread to every district across Bangladesh, including rural regions.
Public health experts in Bangladesh and around the world are calling for increased focus on dengue prevention and control, with a particular emphasis on early detection and improved access to healthcare. Repeat infections of dengue can be more severe and even deadly.
As the planet continues to warm due to the burning of fossil fuels, outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are expected to become more common in new regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an eight-fold increase in dengue cases globally over the past two decades. The climate crisis is causing the spread of diseases like dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever, which are expected to have a more significant impact on human health.
Dengue outbreaks are not limited to Bangladesh. South America, Asia, and other regions are also experiencing severe dengue epidemics. Peru is battling its worst outbreak on record, Florida has put several counties on alert, and Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and sub-Saharan African countries like Chad have reported outbreaks.
The WHO’s alert and response director, Abdi Mahamud, describes these outbreaks as a “canary in the coalmine of the climate crisis.” He notes that “more and more countries” are experiencing the heavy burden of mosquito-borne diseases as the climate crisis worsens.
The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh is a stark example of how the climate crisis can intensify the spread of infectious diseases. As the world warms, it is crucial to focus on prevention measures, early detection, and adequate healthcare to mitigate the impact of dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses on human health
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- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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