Dengue Surge Hits Bangladesh as Cases Reach 65,499

DHAKA – Bangladesh is facing a rapidly intensifying dengue outbreak after 1,872 new patients were hospitalized in a single 24-hour period ending September 22, 2026, the highest daily admission figure recorded this year. Government data shows that the country has now recorded 65,499 dengue cases and 195 deaths since January.

The latest figures show that the outbreak is continuing to accelerate. Five patients died during the latest 24-hour period, while 1,477 others were discharged after recovery. A total of 4,744 dengue patients remained under treatment, according to Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The surge is being reported across the country. Of the 1,872 newly hospitalized patients, 391 were recorded in Dhaka Division, while 191 were admitted in Dhaka South City Corporation and 159 in Dhaka North City Corporation. Khulna reported 316 new admissions, followed by Chattogram with 285, Barishal with 190, Rajshahi with 162, Mymensingh with 105, Rangpur with 67 and Sylhet with six.

Hospitals are also feeling the pressure. At Khulna Medical College Hospital, rising admissions have forced some dengue patients to receive treatment in corridors, open areas and other spaces because beds are becoming increasingly difficult to secure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Bangladesh to strengthen a coordinated response to dengue. Its recommendations include eliminating mosquito breeding sites, improving disease surveillance, strengthening vector control and ensuring health workers are prepared to identify and manage severe dengue cases.

Intermittent rainfall is another concern because stagnant water can create breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue. In Chattogram, 585 cases were recorded during the first nine days of September alone, nearly half the number reported throughout August.

The dengue surge is occurring while Bangladesh is also dealing with a major measles outbreak, putting additional pressure on hospitals and medical supplies. Reuters reported that health facilities are simultaneously treating rising numbers of dengue and measles patients.

Bangladesh has responded by expanding medical training. Authorities are providing specialized dengue training to 1,600 doctors across 40 districts in an effort to improve clinical management and reduce preventable deaths.

With daily hospital admissions reaching a new annual record, dengue has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most serious public health pressures in 2026.