Dengue claims more than 1,400 lives, infects nearly 300,000 in Bangladesh

DHAKA - In the span of less than 11 months, the mosquito-borne dengue fever has claimed more than 1,400 lives and infected nearly 300,000 people this year across Bangladesh.

Based on the latest record of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the dengue prevalence has reached an alarming situation this year, with a total of 283,593 cases and 1,425 deaths recorded as of Nov 7.

According to the latest figure reported by the DGHS under the Ministry of Health, the dengue deaths this year included 77 in November, 359 in October, 396 in September, 342 in August and 204 in July.

From Nov 1 to 7, 12,418 new dengue cases were recorded after 67,769 people were reported to be infected with the mosquito-borne disease last month, according to the DGHS.

The South Asian country recorded 8 more deaths and 1,895 more dengue infections in the 24 hours till 8:00 am local time Tuesday, DGHS data showed.

The country experienced its highest spike in dengue cases in September, with 79,598 new infections and 396 deaths reported.

Amid the rising dengue cases, China provided a batch of anti-dengue emergency supplies to Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Earlier the Chinese embassy has donated dengue kits to Enam Medical College Hospital based in the capital city of Dhaka.