Dengue: Brazil leads in cases, Bangladesh tops in mortality
Dengue outbreaks have surged globally in 2024, with over 14 million infections and 10,000 deaths reported across 53 countries. Brazil has recorded the highest numbers, but it’s Bangladesh that stands out for its alarming mortality rate—a stark indicator of the crisis unfolding in the country’s healthcare system.
Brazil vs Bangladesh: A tale of two crises
Brazil reported 9.9 million cases and 5,815 deaths this year, with a mortality rate of 0.06%. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s numbers pale in comparison—95,070 cases and 517 deaths—but the mortality rate stands at 0.5%. This means one in every 187 patients admitted to the hospital in Bangladesh succumbs to the disease, a rate nine times higher than Brazil’s.
This disparity underscores severe challenges in Bangladesh's healthcare infrastructure, especially in handling a public health emergency like dengue.
Why is Bangladesh’s mortality rate so high?
Public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hossain from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) points to systemic gaps:
Rural-Urban Divide: While rural areas lack equipment and manpower, urban hospitals are overwhelmed despite better resources.
Lack of Decentralization: Overcrowding in hospitals, with patients often treated on floors, reflects an absence of primary and secondary healthcare systems.
Treatment Gaps: Questions remain about adherence to clinical guidelines and proper monitoring in hospitals.
“The healthcare system needs decentralization. A tiered system could significantly reduce deaths,” Dr. Hossain emphasised.
Climate change and the mosquito’s evolution
Entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar highlighted the impact of climate change, which is enabling Aedes mosquitoes to thrive in new environments. “Urgent research is needed to understand how these mosquitoes are adapting,” he said.
The extended dengue season—spanning beyond the usual May-September window—has seen cases persisting into December. However, infections and fatalities are expected to decline by mid-January.
Lessons from other countries
Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, with higher dengue incidence, maintain low mortality rates due to robust medical services. Fazle Shamsul Kabir, Chief Health Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation, said:“In our country, many delay seeking medical care, resorting to paracetamol until their condition worsens. This significantly contributes to fatalities.”
South America: High infections, low mortality
South American nations dominate the list of dengue cases:
Argentina: 580,200 cases, 408 deaths (0.07% mortality)
Mexico: 52,723 cases, 262 deaths (0.05% mortality)
Colombia: 314,221 cases, 198 deaths (0.06% mortality)
Peru: 273,847 cases, 252 deaths (0.09% mortality)
Paraguay: 291,822 cases, 128 deaths (0.04% mortality)
Despite their high infection numbers, these countries maintain lower mortality rates, highlighting the importance of efficient healthcare systems and timely interventions.
Dengue outbreaks have surged globally in 2024, with over 14 million infections and 10,000 deaths reported across 53 countries. Brazil has recorded the highest numbers, but it’s Bangladesh that stands out for its alarming mortality rate—a stark indicator of the crisis unfolding in the country’s healthcare system.
Experts agree that improving primary and secondary healthcare, ensuring adherence to treatment protocols, and addressing climate-driven changes in mosquito behavior are critical steps.
With dengue becoming a year-round threat, proactive measures are essential to prevent avoidable deaths and mitigate the strain on the healthcare system.
