Bangladesh / Dengue - ‘Deadliest dengue outbreak ever seen’: climate crisis fuels country's worst dengue epidemic : Thaslima Begum / The Guardian
Article shared by Tom McDermott
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| Patients suffering dengue fever at a hospital in Dhaka. credit :Mahmud Hossain /AP |
AI summary:
Bangladesh is suffering its worst dengue epidemic on record - one fueled by the climate crisis. In 2023, Bangladesh recorded its deadliest outbreak yet of the mosquito-borne dengue virus with over 320,000 cases and 1,705 deaths, a huge jump from the previous year. At least 113 children died, mostly under age 10. The outbreak strained Bangladesh's health system with overflowing hospitals.
“Children make up around 30% of all dengue cases in Bangladesh and are particularly vulnerable to the virus because of underdeveloped immune systems,” says Dr Shamim Jahan, Bangladesh director of Save the Children. “Those under five are particularly at risk from developing severe symptoms, such as dehydration and shock.”
Experts say climate change is critical in the spike of cases. Unusually high rainfall, hotter temperatures and humidity increased the mosquito population and spread the disease to new areas, including all 64 districts rather than just main cities. Globally, dengue cases have risen 8-fold since 2000 as extreme weather expands suitable areas.
“Children make up around 30% of all dengue cases in Bangladesh and are particularly vulnerable to the virus because of underdeveloped immune systems,” says Dr Shamim Jahan, Bangladesh director of Save the Children. “Those under five are particularly at risk from developing severe symptoms, such as dehydration and shock.”
Experts say climate change is critical in the spike of cases. Unusually high rainfall, hotter temperatures and humidity increased the mosquito population and spread the disease to new areas, including all 64 districts rather than just main cities. Globally, dengue cases have risen 8-fold since 2000 as extreme weather expands suitable areas.
The outbreak started earlier than usual and lasted longer. The government repurposed COVID-19 hospitals and increased supplies to respond. But the costs hit the urban poor hard, like 28-year-old Sumon Miah who lost wages and then his job, further worsening his health. Mosquito breeding sites like construction pools were targeted.
More investment in healthcare and infrastructure is needed to control outbreaks. Releasing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria is an emerging approach. The persistence and severity disappoint many, like Mohamad Ismam who lost his pregnant aunt. The crisis continues into 2024 with more cases and deaths than last January.
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