National

Dengue claims 4 more lives, 660 newly infected

The dengue outbreak, caused by Aedes mosquitoes, continues to worsen as four more people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 214 this year. 

Additionally, 660 new cases were reported, according to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health Services released on Sunday (October 13).

Of the newly infected, 328 were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka, while the remaining 332 were from other regions. During the same period, 697 patients were discharged after recovery.

So far in 2023, a total of 42,470 people have been hospitalised due to dengue, with 38,646 recovering. Among the four recent deaths, two were from Dhaka South City Corporation, one from Dhaka North City Corporation, and another from the Mymensingh division.

The DGHS also reported the number of current hospitalisations by region: 32 in Barisal, 57 in Chittagong, 111 in Dhaka division (outside the city), 207 in Dhaka North City, 121 in Dhaka South City, and 71 in Khulna division.

Dengue outbreaks are common during the rainy season, with the situation escalating significantly from June 2023. Last year saw the highest recorded number of dengue-related deaths, with 1,705 fatalities and over 321,000 hospitalisations. In comparison, 2019 saw 101,354 infections and around 300 deaths, while in 2022, 62,382 cases and 281 deaths were reported.