Health Minister warns of severe dengue strain with possible bleeding risk

Health authorities in Bangladesh have warned that patients infected with dengue this year may face an increased risk of internal bleeding, as officials flag concerns over a potentially more severe strain of the disease.

Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakhawat Husain issued the warning while inaugurating a three-month special dengue prevention campaign at Rabindra Sarobar in capital’s Dhanmondi area on Saturday (June 6).

He said medical experts suspect that the circulating dengue strain could be of a hemorrhagic type, which may trigger bleeding symptoms at an early stage of infection.

He stressed the need for heightened public awareness to prevent complications and reduce fatalities.

The minister also announced that mobile courts will begin operations within the next two to three days to enforce anti-mosquito measures. Individuals and institutions found breeding Aedes mosquito larvae will face fines under the drive.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam, who was present at the event, said public awareness remains crucial in controlling dengue. He noted that a recent survey identified 28 out of 63 wards under DSCC as high-risk zones.

He emphasised that effective dengue control requires coordinated action from both citizens and city authorities, warning that containment efforts cannot succeed without joint participation.