Five more people died of dengue and 1,920 were hospitalised across Bangladesh in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday, October 14, taking the death toll this year to 321, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The DGHS recorded 105,316 cumulative hospitalisations between January 1 and October 14. A total of 99,201 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospitals, while 5,714 were receiving treatment nationwide, according to the health directorate’s daily update.
Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of new hospital admissions, with 824 patients, while Sylhet Division reported the lowest, with 17. Chattogram recorded 256 new admissions, Khulna 254, Barishal 215, Rajshahi 170, Mymensingh 114 and Rangpur 70 during the reporting period.
Of the five latest deaths, two were reported in Chattogram Division, while one each occurred in the Dhaka South City Corporation area, Rajshahi Division and Mymensingh Division. Meanwhile, the government is considering whether to conduct dengue vaccine clinical trials in Bangladesh or assess existing international research before deciding on their use.
Health State Minister MA Muhit said on October 13 that the government would consult specialists in clinical trials and virology to evaluate the available evidence. Experts are expected to assess whether local trials are necessary or whether existing research can provide sufficient evidence for a decision.
Any decision on vaccine approval must be based on scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness, particularly its performance among Bangladesh’s population.
The assessment also needs to consider potential adverse reactions and whether the vaccine would be appropriate for the country’s circumstances.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the TAK-003 dengue vaccine, also known as Qdenga, for children aged 6-16 in settings with high dengue transmission intensity.
The vaccine requires two doses administered three months apart. However, vaccination does not prevent every dengue infection.
The WHO advises that vaccination should complement mosquito control and proper medical care. Removing stagnant water, preventing mosquito breeding and seeking prompt medical attention for warning signs remain important measures to reduce dengue-related illness and deaths.
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