Symptomatic pattern changes and climatic factors in dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh

Public health in Bangladesh, especially in the last several years, has been greatly affected by dengue fever, caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes. The illness, which was first recorded in Dhaka in 1964, under the name “Dhaka Fever”, has continued to rise in both incidence and fatality rates despite the attempts to control it. With 96,228 cases and 531 fatalities recorded in 2024, Bangladesh is among the top nations for dengue mortality. Environmental changes, unplanned urbanization, and the adaptive behavior of mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the causes of this dramatic increase. Due to increased temperatures and prolonged humidity caused by climate change, the breeding season is now longer than in the typical monsoon months, resulting in outbreaks that happen all year round. Expanded dengue syndrome and other new infection patterns and symptoms make diagnosis and treatment more challenging. The illness is more common in men of working age, yet it kills more women than men. There has been an uptick in cases and deaths in areas outside big cities as well, including Chittagong and Barisal. Identifying worrisome hotspots, controlling mosquito populations, and raising public awareness about unusual dengue symptoms are all necessary to combat this growing epidemic. This research highlights the critical need for implementing comprehensive plans to fight dengue and lessen its social and economic effects in Bangladesh.