Bangladesh is facing a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections, with health authorities reporting a surge in cases and 22 virus-related deaths recorded in June alone.

According to the latest analysis by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), COVID-19 infections have been rising significantly since May, with the positivity rate hitting its highest point in over two years.

Data from the National Influenza Surveillance and PHOC system shows that 134 out of 1,409 samples tested in June were positive — a detection rate of 9.51%, the highest since January 2023.

Genomic sequencing has identified the Omicron BA.2.86 variant as the dominant strain, along with two rapidly spreading sub-variants, XFG and XFC, both sub-lineages of the Omicron JN.1 variant. Of 14 samples sequenced in early June, 12 were found to be XFG.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed on June 30 that 21 new cases had been reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases this year to 569. The cumulative number of infections in Bangladesh now stands at 2,052,114.

Although no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, all 22 COVID-related deaths recorded this year occurred in June, raising the total death toll to 29,521 since the start of the pandemic. 

The current test positivity rate is 5.47%, with an overall detection rate of 13.04%. The recovery rate remains high at 98.41%, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.44%.

Public health expert Dr Lelin Chowdhury, chairman of Health and Hope Specialized Hospital, warned that the real number of infections is likely much higher than official figures suggest.

“We’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg,” he told Banglanews. “There’s a clear indication of a new wave — whether small or large — and it has already begun.”

Dr Chowdhury expressed concern over the lack of public awareness and testing, which may lead to further spread. While the new variants appear to cause milder symptoms, experts caution that negligence could allow the virus to evolve and become more severe. 
Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, follow hygiene protocols, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

SMS/