Bangladesh logged its deadliest day of the year from dengue on Sunday, with 12 people succumbing to the mosquito-borne virus in just 24 hours.
The latest fatalities pushed the nationwide death toll to 179 since January, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Health officials said 740 new patients were admitted to hospitals in the same period, taking the total number of confirmed cases this year to 48,831.
248 new dengue cases reported in 24 hours
Now 2,021 patients are undergoing treatment in facilities across the country.
The deaths were reported from multiple regions: five in Barishal division, three in Dhaka North City Corporation, two in Dhaka South City Corporation, and one each in Chattogram and Mymensingh divisions.
Climate change behind world’s worst dengue death rates in Bangladesh
Fresh infections were also widespread.
Barishal (outside city areas) recorded 165 cases, Dhaka (outside city) 147, Dhaka North 122, Dhaka South 115, Chattogram 77, Khulna 52, Rajshahi 28, Mymensingh 22, Sylhet nine and Rangpur three.
Public health experts warn the crisis is worsening faster than last year, when dengue killed 575 people nationwide.
They called for quick action on mosquito control and better preparedness in hospitals as infections continue to rise.