Between January and December of last year, 30 outbreaks of 19 different diseases were reported across various districts of Bangladesh, with 11 concentrated in Dhaka. Rajshahi experienced notable outbreaks of two viruses, while Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Khulna saw recurring infections from several viral diseases. According to the annual report from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR), these outbreaks were primarily seasonal. Dengue, though prevalent throughout 2024, was excluded from outbreak calculations due to its continuous nature.

In 2025, a new virus, similar to COVID-19, is raising global concerns. Although the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has not been detected in Bangladesh, authorities are maintaining vigilance. Public health experts cite uninhabitable living conditions, food adulteration, and high population density as the primary reasons behind Dhaka’s heightened vulnerability to viral outbreaks. Climate change has exacerbated extreme weather conditions, further impacting public health and livelihoods.

IEDCR data reveals anthrax as the most frequent outbreak in 2024, occurring eight times across 16 districts. Diarrhea ranked second, affecting 1.1 million people and causing over 200 deaths. Zika and chikungunya, reemerging after a decade, also posed threats. Other reported diseases included typhoid, chickenpox, meningitis, avian influenza, diphtheria, neonatal respiratory infections, pandemic influenza, rabies, leptospirosis, and Ebola.

Health experts emphasize the need for preventive measures, including vaccination access for low-income communities, improved sanitation, and vector control to combat diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Climate change is awakening dormant pathogens, leading to year-round occurrences of diseases like dengue and malaria. According to WHO, climate-induced health crises could result in over 250,000 deaths annually after 2030.

Bangladesh’s health authorities have intensified surveillance at entry points, strengthened sample testing, and initiated genome sequencing to detect potential new threats swiftly. Experts urge comprehensive action plans to mitigate the economic and public health impacts of recurrent outbreaks.