Dengue surge adds to Bangladesh's health crisis amid measles outbreak

Bangladesh's healthcare system is grappling with a significant "double burden" as a sharp rise in dengue cases in August exacerbates the ongoing struggle with a prolonged measles outbreak.

For the first time this year, the total number of reported dengue cases between January 1 and August 22 has exceeded the figure for the corresponding period in 2025. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 28,090 dengue patients have been reported this year, compared to 27,955 during the same period last year. While 702 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals in the 24 hours leading up to the report, no deaths were recorded during that specific period. The overall dengue death toll remains lower than last year, with 77 recorded so far this year against 110 during the same period in 2025.

The increasing dengue caseload arrives at a critical juncture for the health sector, which is already stretched thin by the persistent measles outbreak. Hospitals nationwide are admitting approximately 900 measles patients daily. This continuous influx places additional pressure on hospital beds, medical staff, and essential resources, precisely when dengue infections are also on the rise. Data from the DGHS indicates that 18,596 patients were admitted with measles or similar symptoms in the first 21 days of August, averaging 885 admissions per day.

Nurul Islam, director (hospital) of DGHS, acknowledged the "double burden" and assured that steps are being taken. A meeting with civil surgeons, directors, and superintendents of public hospitals was held to arrange additional beds. However, major public hospitals in Dhaka, which previously handled a high volume of dengue patients, are now heavily occupied by measles cases. Experts express concern that a further increase in dengue infections could deplete already limited resources and disrupt treatment services. The situation is particularly acute as the DNCC Dedicated Covid-19 Hospital, a major dengue treatment center last year, has been operating exclusively as a measles hospital since mid-March.

Islam mentioned that an inter-ministerial meeting, including representatives from Dhaka's city corporations, discussed these issues. While acknowledging the challenges, he noted that the lower dengue death toll compared to last year is a positive aspect. DGHS data confirms a sharp increase in dengue cases during August, pushing the cumulative number above last year's figure for the same period.

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We are aware of the ‘double burden’ and taking steps to deal with the situation.