Dengue spreads in Chattogram but most cases are mild

Dengue cases are rising in Chattogram district with the onset of the monsoon, though the district civil surgeon maintains the situation is “not alarming”.

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is controlling dengue through regular spraying activities.

It also plans to launch a habitat destruction campaign for Aedes mosquitoes in July.

Doctors say most patients present with typical symptoms such as fever and low platelet counts, with few requiring hospitalisation.

Rainfall began in Chattogram on 20 May, with heavy downpours on 29 May.

Since early June, the district has reported between five and seven new cases daily.

Aedes mosquitoes generally mature from larvae within four to seven days, making standing water a key threat after rainfall.

Between January and May this year, Chattogram recorded 269 dengue cases--the highest in the past three years for this period.

In 2022, 17 dengue patients were identified from January to May.

In the first five months of 2023, 182 patients were identified, and in the same period of 2024, a total of 157 patients were identified.

In the first five months of this year, 269 dengue patients were identified in the district. Of these, 116 were identified in May.

Although patient numbers are rising, the death toll remains lower than in recent years, with only two dengue-related deaths reported so far.

Chattogram District Civil Surgeon Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told bdnews24.com, “Last month, 116 people were diagnosed with dengue. So far this month, only 50. The situation is not alarming. However, the number of patients is increasing. We are fully prepared to serve them.”

Chattogram Medical College Hospital Director Mohammad Taslim Uddin said nine patients were admitted on Monday.

“Looking at the current trend, we may see a sharp rise in cases in July,” he said.

“Anyone diagnosed with dengue must rest, and if platelet levels drop significantly, they should seek hospital care immediately.”

Sharful Islam Mahi, the city corporation's malaria and mosquito control officer, told bdnews24.com: “We’ll launch an area-based campaign to raise public awareness.

“Starting in July, we’ll begin enforcement to clear water-holding areas like under-construction buildings, abandoned sites, and unused equipment.

“We have sufficient equipment and medicine to control the mosquitoes. We’re hopeful the spraying will be effective since canals and drains are free of garbage.

"We’re still waiting for the results of IEDCR’s February survey. It allows us to compare pre-and post-monsoon data to measure how effective our actions have been.”