Dengue cases may surge in July-August: Health Minister

The country could witness a sharp rise in dengue infections during July and August, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain has warned, saying the government has already taken extensive measures to deal with any potential outbreak.

Speaking at a programme at Dhaka Medical College on Thursday (July 2), the minister said the Ministry of Health and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) are fully prepared to respond if the situation worsens.

He said NS1 rapid diagnostic kits have already been distributed to health facilities at the thana, upazila (sub-district), and district levels to strengthen early detection. Hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities have also been placed on alert and will expand their capacity if patient numbers increase.

Emphasising prevention, the minister said public awareness remains the most effective weapon against dengue.

He also urged people from all walks of life—including local community leaders and mosque imams—to take part in keeping their surroundings clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

"Treatment alone cannot control dengue. Destroying mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining a clean environment are the most effective ways to prevent the disease," he said.

The health minister also announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman are scheduled to visit Dhaka Medical College Hospital on July 10.

Highlighting improvements in the country's healthcare system, he said the hospital has received a 10-headed microscope for the first time in 25 years, a move expected to significantly improve cancer diagnosis.

He also said the government is working to modernise the country's medical curriculum in line with international standards. In addition, ongoing projects are aimed at improving accommodation facilities and overall infrastructure at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.