Amid the ongoing dengue outbreak, a recent data released by the Directorate General of Health Services has revealed a stark contrast in the impact of the  mosquito-borne disease on men and women.

While men account for a higher percentage of dengue cases, comprising 62 percent of the reported infections, a concerning 63 percent of the reported deaths among dengue patients are female.

Delving deeper into the statistics, it becomes evident that the story of dengue's impact extends beyond mere infection rates, highlighting a complex interplay of healthcare accessibility, societal norms, and individual health disparities, said experts.

Late hospitalisation, malnutrition, weak immune system and social taboo are the main factors of high female death rate, they claimed.

Women's health conditions are often neglected and, in many cases, they are taken to the hospital late.

— HM Nazmul Ahsan Associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital

Meanwhile, with seven new deaths recorded yesterday, the total number of dengue deaths rose to 576 this year, of which, 333 are female and 243 male.

Besides, with the 2,367 new cases, total number of cases increased to 1,21,500, of which, 75,489 are male and 46,011 female.

HM Nazmul Ahsan, associate professor at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, said many female patients who have comorbidity (obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood lipid levels, arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea) are susceptible to dengue infection.

"There are some female patients who are pregnant. They are usually from groups who need special attention. Then there are women whose condition may become critical if they are infected with dengue during the time of their menstruation," Nazmul said.

"These patients are vulnerable and many die if they do not get proper treatment," he added.

Another reason may be attributed to the patriarchal social norm -- women's health conditions are often neglected and, in many cases, they are taken to the hospital late, he explained.

When female patients have comorbidity, issues such as amenia (absence or cessation of menstruation) and a weakened immune system contribute significantly to women's mortality or morbidity, he said.

He said dengue patients should immediately be hospitalised if they suffer from severe stomach aches, breathing difficulties, severe weakness, vomiting, or bleeding from gums and nose.

"If a patient showing such symptoms is not hospitalised within 24 hours, they may have dengue shock syndrome," he added.

There are two types of dengue shocks -- compensated shocks and decompensated shocks. If a patient is hospitalised immediately after their compensated shock, they don't reach decompensated shock, where the chance to be cured is only 50 percent, he said.

"The patient's blood pressure may remain normal during a compensated shock, which is why many don't realise it. Signs of compensated shock may include a drop in body temperature, increased heart rate, and increased breathing rate," Prof Nazmul added.

Entomologist Prof Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University echoed the same when asked about high female death rates.

Regarding male patients, he said people of the 21-40 age group go outdoors a lot, they are at risk of getting infected.

"People have to wear full sleeve tops, socks, shoes, and use mosquito nets while sleeping," he said.