Dengue in Bangladesh and neighboring countries: an overview of epidemiology, transmission, control, and prevention

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Dengue fever, caused by four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV), is a global health threat, affecting millions of people annually, with a significant burden in Asian countries. Bangladesh, where dengue was first documented in the 1960s, has witnessed an escalation of cases in recent years. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on dengue covering dengue epidemiology in Bangladesh and neighboring countries, efficacy of available vaccines, diagnostic tests and preventive measures. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using the keywords such as dengue in Bangladesh, dengue in South and Southeast Asia, epidemiology, genomic structure, transmission, diagnosis, vaccines and prevention. The information and data of this article were drawn from extensively reviewed scientific journals and pertinent authoritative sources. The data search was limited from year 2000 to 2023. Results: Magnitude of dengue infection in Bangladesh and neighboring countries was assessed. The usefulness of diagnostic tests as well as the prospect of available vaccines was reviewed. Control and preventive measures to mitigate spread and transmission of the disease were also discussed. Conclusion: Effective prevention and control of dengue needs coordinated efforts in surveillance, research, control and preventive measures. This holistic approach is necessary to mitigate detrimental consequences of dengue on public health and economies worldwide. IMC J Med Sci. 2024; 18(1):012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.18.012 *Correspondence: M. S. Zaman, Department of Biological Sciences, Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, USA. Email: zaman@alcorn.edu; mzaman@southtexascollege.edu