"Virus is posing an ever-greater threat in Bangladesh and Nepal where rise and spread of cases are linked to climate change impacts".
"DHAKA/KATHMANDU - Mosquito-borne dengue fever is taking a heavy toll on South Asian nations this year as Bangladesh grapples with record deaths and Nepal faces cases in new areas, with disease experts linking worsening outbreaks to the impacts of climate change.
Authorities in the two countries are scrambling to contain and treat the disease - which is also known as "breakbone fever" for the severe muscle and joint pains it induces. Entomologists and epidemiologists say rising temperatures and longer monsoon seasons are providing ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
The threat is not restricted to South Asia as dengue rates are rising globally with 4.2 million cases reported in 2022 - up eight-fold from 2000 - the World Health Organization (WHO) says.
Earlier this year, WHO said dengue is the fastest-spreading tropical disease worldwide and represents a "pandemic threat"."
Mosabber Hossain and Aadesh Subedi report for Thomson Reuters Foundation September 7, 2023.
Advertisement 
