Climate change is making dengue deadlier in Bangladesh: Entomologist

DHAKA, Bangladesh

Bangladesh reported eight deaths Sunday from a dengue fever outbreak, bringing the tally for November to 86, the highest monthly toll this year, with an entomologist blaming climate change.

The latest fatalities took the death toll so far in 2025 to 364, with the total number of cases increasing to over 90,264 with 778 new hospitalizations. Of these, 87,442 returned home after recovery, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Infections and deaths are now seen spreading across the country, including the southeastern city of Chattogram, the south-central city of Barisal and north-central city of Mymensingh, along with the capital Dhaka.

Professor and entomologist Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University told Anadolu that the increased number of infections were due to climate change, poor mosquito management and unplanned urbanization.

Winter in Bangladesh is considered to be from December to February, with temperatures usually starting to fall in November. Rainfall also usually significantly decreases by the end of September, marking the end of the monsoon season. However, this year, even late October saw heavy and prolonged rainfall, according to data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

“For the first time in the recorded past, November has become such a deadly month. It (increase in dengue cases) is because of the duration of the rainfall. The prolonged and delayed rainfall, even rain in late October this year, has caused a higher number of infections and deaths,” said Bashar.

Delayed rainfall influences dengue manifestation. The country’s weather and temperatures also remain favorable to dengue spreading and surviving, he added.

“This year's dengue situation won’t see any major relief or improve significantly. A significant decrease in new cases will likely be seen from January next year,” he added.

Dengue-carrying mosquitoes thrive in temperatures between 20-30C (68-86F). The country all year round sees an average similar temperature. Even in winter, the temperature remains close to 20C, which presents favorable conditions for dengue, according to Bashar.

In 2023, Bangladesh reported a record 1,705 dengue deaths out of 321,179 confirmed cases, according to DGHS, making it the country's deadliest outbreak.

DHAKA, Bangladesh

Bangladesh reported eight deaths Sunday from a dengue fever outbreak, bringing the tally for November to 86, the highest monthly toll this year, with an entomologist blaming climate change.

Delayed rainfall influences dengue manifestation. The country’s weather and temperatures also remain favorable to dengue spreading and surviving, he added.

“This year's dengue situation won’t see any major relief or improve significantly. A significant decrease in new cases will likely be seen from January next year,” he added.

In 2023, Bangladesh reported a record 1,705 dengue deaths out of 321,179 confirmed cases, according to DGHS, making it the country's deadliest outbreak.