Dengue continues to take a toll across the country as four more people died from the mosquito-borne disease in 24 hours till Tuesday, raising this year’s death toll to 251, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the same period, 814 new dengue patients were hospitalised, bringing the total number of cases recorded this year to 56,257.

Of the new cases, 170 were reported under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 107 under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Outside the capital, 126 cases were reported in Barishal Division, 114 in Chattogram, 124 in Dhaka Division (outside city areas), 41 in Khulna, 46 in Mymensingh, 40 in Rajshahi, 41 in Rangpur, and five in Sylhet Division.

Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives, while 2023 marked the deadliest year on record with 1,705 fatalities, 321,179 infections, and 318,749 recoveries, according to DGHS data.

Health experts have urged heightened preventive measures and early treatment amid concerns that prolonged rainfall and inadequate mosquito control efforts could worsen the outbreak.