Dengue cases are rising sharply in Chittagong, with infections nearly doubling in August compared with the previous seven months.
According to the district Civil Surgeon’s Office, 1,879 people have been diagnosed with dengue in Chittagong from January through August 28. Of them, 1,045 cases were recorded in the first 28 days of August alone. Four people have also died of the disease this year.
Of the total dengue patients, 820 are from Chittagong city, 795 from different upazilas of the district and 263 from other districts under the division.
Month-wise figures show 68 cases in January, 22 in February, 20 in March, 29 in April, 37 in May, 122 in June, 536 in July and 1,045 in August through August 28. Thus, dengue infections increased by 509 in August compared with July, indicating a rapid rise during the monsoon.
Currently, 32 dengue patients are receiving treatment at hospitals, including 14 men, 10 women and eight children. Of the four deaths, two were men and two were women.
Among the district’s 15 upazilas, Sitakunda recorded the highest number of cases at 222, followed by Karnaphuli with 143. Banshkhali recorded 63 cases, Raozan 48, Lohagara and Patiya 47 each, Anwara 42, Satkania and Rangunia 33 each, Mirsharai 25, Hathazari 24, Chandanaish 23, Boalkhali 20, Fatikchhari 15 and Sandwip 11.
A survey conducted by the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) has identified 155 potential mosquito breeding hotspots across the city.
The identified hotspots include educational institutions, abandoned buildings, construction sites and residential areas. Chittagong College, Hazi Muhammad Mohsin College, Kapasgola City Corporation Women’s College, an abandoned building in Katalganj and several other locations have been identified as potential breeding grounds.
CCC Malaria and Mosquito Control Officer Md Sariful Islam Mahi said insecticides had been applied and breeding sites destroyed at the identified locations. Spraying is also being conducted within a 500-metre radius of dengue patients’ residences.
District Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said dengue prevention requires stronger mosquito-control measures. He urged the city corporation to intensify mosquito-control activities, eliminate stagnant water and ensure regular cleaning.
CCC Acting Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Ashraful Amin said the corporation is using BTI technology for mosquito control. He said dengue cases in the city area remain lower than last year and no dengue death has been reported there this year.