Bangladesh warns dengue outbreak could worsen after deadly September

Bangladesh faces an escalating dengue outbreak in October, following its deadliest September ever. The resurgence is straining a healthcare system already grappling with the world's worst measles outbreak, which has claimed over 1,100 children this year. Experts warn that recent rainfall and changing weather patterns could fuel further dengue transmission through October, traditionally a peak month for the disease.

Medical entomologist Kabirul Bashar at Jahangirnagar University predicts the situation will worsen further, urging targeted mosquito control and household prevention. At least 245 people have died and 79,620 dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals since January, with September seeing 148 deaths - a sharp increase from previous months.

The Aedes mosquito, which carries dengue, has spread beyond major cities, turning the disease into a nationwide challenge. Fogging with pesticides alone is insufficient; breeding sites must be eliminated. Prevention, including removing stagnant water, is crucial to ease the burden on hospitals facing multiple outbreaks simultaneously.