PM orders loudspeaker alerts as dengue surges

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday ordered a nationwide public awareness campaign, including loudspeaker announcements in neighbourhoods and dengue prevention messages during Friday prayers, as Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak intensifies, with the death toll reaching 316 and infections exceeding 100,000 this year.
At a meeting on dengue prevention and control at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the prime minister warned that the next few months would be crucial in containing the mosquito-borne disease. 
He called for coordinated action by government agencies and stronger preventive measures, particularly in areas reporting high numbers of infections.
The meeting also emphasised public participation, improved coordination among ministries and agencies, and regular cleaning of government residential quarters and hospital premises.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain, State Minister for Health MA Muhit, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, senior officials and administrators of Dhaka’s two city corporations attended the meeting.
Nine more deaths, cases top 100,000

The dengue outbreak continues to worsen, with nine more deaths and 1,954 new hospital admissions reported in the 24 hours to 8am on Tuesday.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest fatalities bring this year’s death toll to 316, while the total number of cases has risen to 103,396.
Of the nine deaths, three were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation, two each in Dhaka North City Corporation and Khulna division, and one each in Chattogram and Mymensingh divisions.

October has already seen 71 dengue deaths in its first 12 days. September recorded the highest monthly toll so far this year, with 148 fatalities. The DGHS reported five deaths between January and May, followed by 13 in June, 36 in July and 43 in August.
Dengue infections have now spread to all 64 districts, including rural areas previously less affected by the disease.
Govt to assess dengue vaccine options
The government will consult researchers and medical experts before deciding whether Bangladesh should conduct clinical trials of dengue vaccines or assess existing research, State Minister for Health MA Muhit said.
Speaking to reporters after a seminar at Bangla Academy, Muhit said any decision on vaccine approval must be based on scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.
The government plans to consult specialists in clinical trials and virology to determine whether local trials are necessary or whether existing international findings can be evaluated through meta-analysis. He noted that several dengue vaccine candidates were at different stages of development internationally and that India had recently approved a vaccine.
Delayed treatment a major concern
Muhit said around 60% of dengue patients who died had reached hospital more than three days after their symptoms began. 
He urged people with fever to seek prompt medical attention rather than rely on over-the-counter medicines or unqualified practitioners.
The government plans to establish fever clinics at different locations across Dhaka through the two city corporations to facilitate early diagnosis. 
Around 2,000 doctors nationwide also received refresher training in dengue management last month, he said.
The government is additionally considering trials of Japanese technology to control mosquito populations, alongside public awareness campaigns and conventional larval-control measures.
However, experts have warned that the outbreak could worsen further in late October and November unless effective measures are implemented urgently.
Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist and professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University, warned that the current trend could become catastrophic without immediate intervention.
He said dengue, once concentrated mainly in Dhaka and other major cities, had increasingly spread to rural districts and upazilas, leaving communities across the country at risk.