Dengue fever raises new challenge for Bangladesh amid pandemic

DHAKA, Bangladesh  - An alarming spike in seasonal dengue fever in Bangladesh has raised a new challenge for authorities in the South Asian country as it grapples with the threat of a rising coronavirus, according to official sources on Sunday.

"It (dengue) has infected many people in the last couple of days and has become a new issue of tension for the government," Nazmul Islam, spokesman of the country's Directorate General of Health Services, said at a virtual press briefing. Urging residents to follow health instructions against both dengue fever and COVID-19, Islam said central and regional officials are endeavoring to address the complex situation emerging from the dual public health concerns.