• Den-2 dominates dengue cases (85%) in Dhaka
• Second infections increase the risk of death
• 90% patients infected with serotype Den-2 in Chattogram
• Older people, women at higher risk
• Female deaths are higher despite lower hospitalization rates
• 108 dengue-related deaths nationwide in 26 days since October
• Den-2 linked to severe complications
• Decentralized health care could reduce deaths, experts suggest

More than 85% of this year’s dengue patients in the capital were infected with dengue virus serotype 2 (Den-2), a recent study on dengue strains by icddr,b found.

The findings highlight a significant public health concern, as health experts fear the Den-2 serotype may persist for the next two years.

The study indicates that most of the remaining dengue patients are suffering from Den-3, while a smaller number are infected with Den-1. In Chattogram, about 90% of dengue patients were also infected with Den-2.

Last year’s severe dengue outbreak continues to plague the country, with a similar death rate this year, although the overall death toll is slightly lower. The widespread presence of the Den-2 serotype, dominant since 2023, is a key factor in the ongoing crisis.

Health experts said that with the high prevalence of Den-2, patients facing second or third dengue infections face a higher risk of death. The elderly and women are particularly affected, with higher mortality rates. Those with heart, kidney, diabetes or other complex conditions face an increased risk of death if infected.

Dr Mohammad Shafiul Alam, a scientist with the Division of Infectious Diseases at icddr, told The Business Standard that once a person is infected with a type of dengue, they develop immunity against it. But when it is infected with another type, the situation becomes serious and the risk of death increases.

“Among the four dengue serotypes, Den-2 and Den-3 are the most prevalent in the country, while Den-1 cases are rare. Once infected with a particular dengue serotype, a person develops immunity against that type and cannot be reinfected by However, subsequent infections with different serotypes can lead to severe complications,” the scientist added.

He further said, “Most dengue patients die due to neglect, many die due to shock syndrome due to inadequate treatment. the increased risk faced by physically weaker persons.”

Experts say that usually one serotype of dengue prevails for three to four years. The predominance of serotype-2 was also observed last year. Since there is one serotype (Den-2), people have immunity to the previous serotype.

According to data from various hospitals, patients come with two types of problems, shock syndrome and hemorrhagic fever. Last year there were more patients with shock syndrome. If someone shows symptoms of shock syndrome or hemorrhagic symptoms, experts advised that the patient should be rushed to the hospital.

In October, 108 dengue-related deaths were reported in 26 days. This month saw the highest number of cases and deaths of the year, bringing the total number of hospitalizations in 2023 to 55,663 yesterday.

According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the number of deaths for the year has reached 271, marking the third highest since the 2000 outbreak and potentially surpassing the second highest. The hospitalization rate of women is 36.7%, and men at 63.3%; however, women account for 53.5% of deaths, despite their smaller number of cases.

Public health expert Mushtaq Hossain told TBS, “If the health system remains centralized, reducing dengue deaths will be a challenge. Community clinics and accessible testing facilities are essential so that people can be tested for dengue immediately after developing fever.”

“Furthermore, if the government were to structure dengue treatment into three levels – primary, secondary and advanced – it would streamline care and help lower the dengue death rate,” he said.

In 2019, 1.19 lakh patients were affected and 179 deaths due to the new type of dengue “Den-3” in the country breaking the record of all previous years. In 2023, dengue-related deaths reached an all-time high of 1,705, compared to 281 in 2022.