Dengue Outbreak Pushes Bangladesh Hospitals to the Brink

As of November 14, 2025, Bangladesh is grappling with a major outbreak of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus that has pushed the country's healthcare system to the brink. According to the latest data, there have been over 58,000 reported cases and 215 fatalities since the start of the outbreak in early October.

While not as severe as the 2023 dengue epidemic that claimed over 1,700 lives, the current situation has health officials on high alert. Entomologist Professor Kabirul Bashar warns that "if we fail to act now, the situation could spiral" out of control. In addition to dengue, Bangladesh is also seeing a spike in chikungunya cases, a related virus that can cause debilitating joint pain.

Containing the outbreak will require a coordinated effort between local authorities and the international community. Bangladesh's resources are limited, but there may be some relief on the horizon. Two dengue vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga, have been developed and could complement other control methods. However, Qdenga, the more effective of the two, is not yet approved for use in Bangladesh.

As the planet continues to warm due to dirty energy emissions, the range and breeding season of disease-carrying mosquitoes are expanding, putting more people at risk of contracting these viruses. Experts warn that without urgent action, outbreaks like the one unfolding in Bangladesh could become increasingly common in the years to come.