A review on dengue epidemiology: Transmission dynamics, socioeconomic impacts, and public health strategies in South Asia and Bangladesh

Abstract

Dengue fever is among the most important mosquito-transmitted viral illnesses and remains an important public health problem in the tropics and subtropics. Dengue has become an emerging disease in South Asia with Bangladesh becoming one of the countries with a high incidence of the disease in recent decades, which is attributed to rapid urbanization, climate change, population growth, poor vector control, and high mobility within the population. This increase in the incidence and severity of outbreaks has led to increased disease burden, both health and socio-economic, and therefore highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention and control. This review will explain the epidemiology, transmission, socioeconomic impacts, and public health strategies related to dengue, in a comprehensive manner and specifically for the South Asian context and Bangladesh. It compiles scientific literature and reports to consider the changing epidemiological characteristics of dengue, the role of the virus vector Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, and the effects of environmental, climate, and demographic conditions on disease transmission. The review also provides a summary of the clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, contemporary therapy, and recent advances in dengue vaccine development. Dengue also brings high economic and social costs, including healthcare expenses, loss of productivity, and strain on healthcare systems. The repeated epidemics in Bangladesh have underscored the need to enhance surveillance, vector control, and community awareness. The review addresses existing public health tools such as integrated vector management, environmental control, health education, and novel public health tools, including 'Wolbachia' based mosquito control and vaccination tools. It also highlights the key areas of concern for dengue prevention, such as insecticide resistance, climate variations, and lack of public health resources. Finally, coordinated, evidence-based, and sustainable public health interventions are needed for effective dengue control. Further strengthening of surveillance needs, increasing community engagement, encouraging regional group action, and implementing innovative new vector control and vaccination programmes are crucial to lessen the burden of dengue in South Asia, especially in Bangladesh.