23/05/2026
Excessive rainfall across Bangladesh is raising concerns about an early dengue outbreak this year, prompting health experts to urge immediate preventive measures to control mosquito breeding and increase public awareness.
According to meteorologist Bazlur Rashid, Bangladesh received 76 millimetres more rainfall than the seasonal average in April, with wet conditions continuing into May. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has also forecast additional rainfall across several regions, including Dhaka, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.
Entomologists warn that the early rains have already created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of dengue fever. They fear that without rapid intervention, Bangladesh could face a major dengue outbreak in the coming months.
Data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) show that, as of May 19, at least five people have died from dengue this year while 2,963 patients have been hospitalized.
Entomologist Kabirul Bashar, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, said researchers monitoring 13 districts have observed rising mosquito densities across urban areas. He explained that the Breteau Index — an internationally used measure of mosquito breeding — has exceeded the warning level of 20 in many areas, particularly in rapidly urbanizing upazilas.
A Breteau Index of 20 means that larvae were found in 20 water-holding containers for every 100 houses inspected, indicating an increased risk of dengue transmission.
Bashar emphasized that eliminating mosquito breeding sources must be the top priority. Rainwater collecting in discarded containers, drains, flower pots, and other stagnant areas creates ideal conditions for mosquito reproduction. He stressed the importance of stronger waste management systems and the removal of water-holding containers before the peak dengue season arrives.
He also urged residents to take precautions before leaving home during the upcoming Eid holidays. Any place capable of collecting rainwater, he said, should be emptied or covered to prevent mosquito breeding.
In addition to environmental management, Bashar recommended using insect growth regulators such as Novaluron and biological control agents including Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and Pyriproxyfen to reduce mosquito larvae.
Another entomologist, GM Saifur Rahman of the National University, said identifying breeding hotspots is essential for long-term dengue prevention. He noted that mosquito larvae can mature within a week under current temperatures, making rapid action especially important after rainfall.
Saifur also called for the creation of a dedicated mosquito control cell responsible for logistics, insecticide management, equipment distribution, and field operations.
Health experts warn that without immediate and coordinated action, Bangladesh could experience another severe dengue surge this year as rainfall and favorable breeding conditions continue to increase mosquito populations.
Here are Brac University admission test and SAT style Reading and Writing questions based on the passage by Bright Prep:
Question 1
Which choice best states the central idea of the passage?
A. Bangladesh has successfully eliminated dengue outbreaks through improved healthcare systems.
B. Increased rainfall and poor waste management are raising the risk of an early dengue outbreak in Bangladesh.
C. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department is responsible for mosquito control efforts.
D. Dengue outbreaks only occur during the Eid holiday season.
Question 2
The author mentions the “76 millimetres more rainfall in April” primarily to:
A. explain why farmers are satisfied with the weather
B. provide evidence for the increased risk of mosquito breeding and dengue transmission
C. compare Bangladesh’s weather with neighboring countries
D. criticize the Bangladesh Meteorological Department
Question 3
As used in the passage, the phrase “source management” most nearly refers to:
A. improving hospital treatment for dengue patients
B. monitoring weather forecasts during the rainy season
C. removing or controlling mosquito breeding locations
D. distributing food and medicine during outbreaks
Question 4
Which statement best explains why entomologists are concerned about early rainfall?
A. Rainfall lowers temperatures too quickly for mosquito control measures to work.
B. Rainwater creates stagnant water in containers where Aedes mosquitoes can breed.
C. Heavy rainfall destroys existing mosquito populations.
D. Rainfall prevents health officials from conducting field inspections.
Question 5
According to the passage, what does a Breteau Index (BI) of 20 indicate?
A. Twenty people have died from dengue in a specific area.
B. Mosquitoes were found in twenty districts of Bangladesh.
C. Twenty mosquito breeding containers were found per one hundred houses inspected.
D. Twenty hospitals are currently treating dengue patients.
Question 6
Which choice best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Optimistic and celebratory
B. Concerned and cautionary
C. Humorous and informal
D. Confused and uncertain
Question 7
Why does the passage mention the Eid holidays?
A. To explain why hospitals close during the rainy season
B. To encourage residents to take preventive measures before leaving their homes
C. To describe a traditional method of mosquito control
D. To criticize people traveling during monsoon season
Question 8
The passage suggests that mosquito larvae may mature quickly because:
A. temperatures are currently favorable for mosquito development
B. insecticides are no longer effective
C. the Breteau Index has decreased sharply
D. rainfall has reduced humidity levels
Question 9
Which choice provides the best evidence that immediate action is necessary?
A. “The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain...”
B. “At least five dengue patients have died...”
C. “Immediate action is very important to control Aedes mosquitoes this year, otherwise we may see another dengue surge.”
D. “The peak season is approaching...”
Question 10
The passage primarily develops its argument through:
A. fictional storytelling and dialogue
B. historical comparisons between epidemics
C. expert opinions, scientific indicators, and weather data
D. personal accounts from dengue patients