Every November, the city of Chattogram in Bangladesh faces a baffling health crisis: a sudden and dramatic spike in dengue cases. It’s a trend that defies logic, as dengue typically peaks during the monsoon months of July to October. But here’s where it gets even more puzzling—while the rest of the country breathes a sigh of relief as cases drop in December, Chattogram continues to battle this mosquito-borne disease well into the late autumn months. Why? Let’s dive into the numbers and the science behind this alarming phenomenon.
Data from the Chattogram Civil Surgeon’s Office paints a stark picture. In the first three days of November this year alone, 130 new dengue cases were reported. To put that in perspective, October saw 990 cases, September 935, August 705, and July 430. But here’s where it gets controversial: This November surge isn’t a one-off event. It’s been happening consistently for the past four years, raising questions about whether this is the new normal for Chattogram.
In 2022, for instance, 2,640 cases were detected between July and October, but a staggering 2,007 cases were reported in November alone. The trend continued in 2023, with 12,003 cases between July and October, followed by 1,254 in November. And in 2024, the pattern repeated itself: 2,737 cases between July and October, and 1,028 in November. Is this a seasonal anomaly, or are we witnessing the long-term effects of climate change?
Interestingly, December sees a sharp decline in cases—730 in 2022, 375 in 2023, and 360 in 2024. But the human cost of this November surge is devastating. The deadliest year was 2023, with 107 dengue-related deaths. In comparison, 2022 saw 41 deaths, 2024 saw 45, and 20 so far this year. Why is Chattogram bearing the brunt of this disease, and what can be done to stop it?
According to Dr. Tauhidul Anwar, Deputy Civil Surgeon of Chattogram, the answer lies in changing weather patterns. “Dengue used to be a seasonal disease, but it’s now endemic in Bangladesh,” he explains. Rising temperatures, shorter winters, and shifting rainfall patterns have created the perfect breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. And this is the part most people miss: The rainy season, which once washed away mosquito larvae with days of heavy rain, now comes in sporadic bursts, leaving stagnant water in potholes—ideal for mosquito breeding.
Humidity levels have also skyrocketed. Historically, November humidity in Chattogram hovered around 70–75 percent. Today, it often reaches 90–95 percent, providing mosquitoes with even more favorable conditions. Could this be a warning sign of what’s to come for other regions as global temperatures continue to rise?
The Civil Surgeon’s Office has identified 25 dengue hotspots across Chattogram, including densely populated areas like Bandar, Halishahar, and Agrabad. Hospitals like Chattogram Medical College Hospital and Chattogram General Hospital are overwhelmed, with many patients arriving in critical condition. Dr. Ekram Hossain, acting superintendent of Chattogram General Hospital, urges residents to seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms. “Delaying treatment can be fatal,” he warns.
Efforts to combat the spread include regular spraying of mosquito repellents and larvicides by city workers. But Dr. Imam Hossain Rana, Chief Health Officer of Chattogram City Corporation, emphasizes that residents must do their part. “Preventing water accumulation around homes is crucial,” he advises. But is this enough? Or do we need a more radical approach to tackle this growing threat?
As Chattogram grapples with this annual dengue surge, the question remains: Are we doing enough to adapt to the changing climate, or are we simply reacting to its consequences? What do you think? Is this a local issue, or a global warning? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s start a conversation that could save lives.
