Dhaka Waterlogging Sparks Fears of Diarrhea, Skin Disease Surge
Collected Photo
Heavy rainfall over several days has triggered severe waterlogging across various areas of Dhaka, leaving residents to navigate knee-to-waist-deep filth.
Beyond the immediate struggle, public health experts are warning of a rising threat from skin diseases, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses. While hospitals report no massive surge in patients yet, officials expect numbers to climb within the week if these conditions persist.
Residents Suffer from Infections and Contaminated Water
Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Kathalbagan, faced waist-deep water outside his home after Saturday’s downpour. He used a van to reach his office but had to wade through knee-deep sewage to return, resulting in severe itching on his legs.
He said, “I have not been able to reduce the itching even after cleaning with disinfectant for three days. Later, I got medicine from the pharmacy and found some relief.”
Another resident, Shahadat Hossain, is battling diarrhea after drain water infiltrated his building’s water tank. Despite cleaning the tank and using WASA water, he fell ill.
He told Agamir Somoy, “I suffered from diarrhea all day Monday even after drinking filtered water.”
Private sector worker Noor Mohammad reported that three of his family members are also suffering from diarrhea. He noted that WASA water lines were submerged, saying, “Even if the water is cleaned, it seems the pollution remains.”
Babul Mia, a caretaker in Paper Goli, added that submerged tanks required multiple cleanings to remove persistent filth.
Expert Warnings and Health Statistics
Public health experts said waterlogged streets carry sewage, waste, and various pathogens. Contact can trigger fungal infections, allergies, and other skin conditions, though symptoms may take up to a week to appear.
International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) added that they are monitoring the situation, though they have not yet seen a significant spike in rain-related diarrhea cases.
Public health expert Abu Jamil Faisal told Agamir Somoy, “Diarrhea and skin diseases tend to increase when waterlogging occurs due to rain. It is essential to ensure safe water at this time. However, the water must be purified by boiling or using water purifying tablets.”
He also advised washing skin immediately after contact with dirty water and avoiding wet clothing.
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) Health and Morbidity Status Survey (HMSS) 2025, an average of 37.23 per 1,000 people in the country suffer from skin diseases. The rate is higher in rural areas (39.92) than in cities (34.46).
Skin disease ranks fifth among the top ten illnesses in the country, and the 2025 CHCP report shows that 36 percent of community clinic patients seek treatment for these conditions. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in three people will suffer from a skin disease, with 4.69 billion cases recorded annually.
