The death toll from dengue this year has crossed the 900-mark as another 16 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours till 8:00am today.

Of the 16 deaths, nine were reported outside of the capital.

At least 3,008 dengue patients were hospitalised in the 24-hour period, according to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Dengue has so far claimed at least 909 lives this year and nearly 1,87,725 were infected, making this the deadliest year since the first recorded epidemic in 2000.

This month witnessed more than 300 dengue deaths as the toll crossed 600-mark on September 2; 700 on September 8; and 800 on September 16.

According to DGHS data, 10,470 dengue patients were undergoing treatment at different hospitals across the country yesterday morning.

A total of 1,76,346 patients have so far been released from hospitals across the country this year.

Hospitals, especially in Dhaka, are struggling to accommodate the large number of patients suffering high fever, joint pain, and vomiting, health officials said.

The government has taken initiatives to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, they added.

There is no vaccine or drug that specifically treats dengue, which is common in South Asia during the June-to-September monsoon season when the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the carrier of the deadly virus, thrives in stagnant water.