Dengue has moved beyond a seasonal illness in Chittagong and has emerged as a major public health concern for both the city and the district, with 29,174 hospitalizations and 226 deaths recorded over the past five and a half years.
Many patients required prolonged hospitalization, and some were admitted to intensive care units. Numerous families faced financial strain due to the high cost of treatment.
According to the Chittagong health department, dengue outbreaks have intensified year by year, with the situation becoming particularly alarming during the monsoon season. With the rainy season approaching, concerns over further spread have increased, prompting calls for strengthened preparedness from the health department, district administration and local government bodies.
Data from the Chittagong Civil Surgeon’s Office shows that 197 patients were hospitalized with dengue between January 1 and June 8 this year. Among them, 120 were from the Chittagong metropolitan area and 77 from different upazilas. One patient died during the period, while nine patients are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Health experts warn that June to October is the peak dengue season and, without immediate intervention, case numbers could rise sharply.
An analysis of recent years shows fluctuating but sustained dengue transmission in Chittagong.
In 2021, 271 people were infected and five died. In 2022, hospitalisations rose sharply to 5,445, with 41 deaths recorded. The situation worsened significantly in 2023, when 14,087 patients were hospitalized and 107 died—one of the most severe outbreaks in the region’s history.
In 2024, cases dropped to 4,323, but 45 deaths were recorded. In 2025, 4,864 people were hospitalized and 25 died. In the first five months of the current year, 184 cases and one death were reported.
Overall, 29,174 people have been hospitalized and 226 have died from dengue in Chittagong over the past five and a half years.
Beyond its health impact, dengue has also created significant financial pressure for many households. Patients often require several days of hospital care, with costs rising due to platelet tests, diagnostic procedures, medication, specialised treatment and, in some cases, intensive care support.
Low- and middle-income families are particularly affected, with many forced to borrow money or deplete savings to cover treatment expenses. Health experts say preventive action remains the most effective way to reduce both human and economic losses.
Chittagong Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam said 197 people were infected in the first five months of the year, averaging around 30 cases per month.
“Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease. To prevent it, mosquito breeding must be controlled,” he said, adding that the responsibility lies with the Chittagong City Corporation. He said a letter has been sent urging stronger mosquito control measures.
Chittagong Divisional Health Director Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi said there is no need for panic, but awareness is essential. He stressed that controlling Aedes mosquito breeding is key to preventing dengue and chikungunya.
He said Aedes mosquitoes typically breed in clean, stagnant water, including air-conditioner trays, flower pots, plastic containers, drums, discarded tyres, earthen pots, buckets, tin cans, coconut shells, water containers, and battery casings.
Regular removal of stagnant water in homes, hospitals and offices can destroy mosquito larvae, he said, adding that consistent cleaning drives and the use of mosquito nets could reduce dengue transmission by up to 90 percent.
A resident of Hamzarbagh Sangeet Residential Area in Chittagong, Muntasir Uddin Rafi, complained that mosquito control efforts have been inadequate.
“We do not see city corporation workers spraying regularly, even though mosquito nuisance increases day and night. Sometimes they come once in a month or three months, but not consistently. As a result, mosquito problems have increased significantly in the area,” he said.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said the city has been using BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), an American technology-based larvicide, since December 1 last year.
“After the introduction of BTI, dengue and chikungunya infection rates have decreased significantly compared to previous years. The product is environmentally friendly,” he told Bangla Tribune.
CCC Malaria and Mosquito Control Officer Sharful Islam Mahi said preparations have been strengthened ahead of the monsoon.
“We have a six-month stock of medicines. There is no shortage of manpower or supplies. Across 41 wards, 205 spraymen are working regularly. Special teams are deployed in high-risk areas,” he said, adding that authorities expect to bring mosquito populations under control by November.
Dr Md Mamunur Rashid, head of the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID), said dengue spreads through Aedes mosquito bites and warned about the resilience of mosquito eggs.
“Aedes mosquito eggs can remain viable for up to three years. If they come into contact with water, they hatch within 72 hours,” he said.
“If the mosquito that laid the eggs carried the dengue virus, the emerging mosquito will also carry the virus. A bite from such a mosquito leads to infection,” he added.
