Thanchi upazila in Bandarban is currently going through a health emergency amid the pandemic as increasing numbers of malaria cases have been reported in the region.
No fewer than 20 people were admitted to Thanchi Upazila Health Complex in the last one week after contracting malaria, according to hospital sources.
However, the actual number of cases is much higher.
Local residents have said many malaria patients from the remote mountainous areas are unable to go to the hospital due to roads being inaccessible.
Muishaitui Marma, chairman of Remakri union, said that for the last one week seven to eight people from Pru Saong Karbari Para in Boro Madak area and six to seven people from Sakhayu Karbari Para in small Madak area had been suffering from fever. They were later found to be infected with malaria.
Additionally, there were reports of malaria cases from some neighbourhoods in Tindu union, Fosau Karbari Para, Tuktong Para in Thanchi Sadar union and many other areas in the upazila.
Usually, vector borne diseases increase in the monsoon season in the remote areas.
Thanchi Upazila Health Complex Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Wahiduzzaman Murad said: “We are providing treatment to malaria patients once they are admitted to the health complex.”
