Chittagong has been grappling with an escalating dengue outbreak since July 2022, but this year has witnessed a significant surge starting from January.
The situation can be described as a year-round outbreak, causing concern among experts who fear a severe form of dengue infection this year. The district civil surgeon has already urged the city corporation to take immediate action to eliminate mosquitoes.
According to sources at the Chittagong Civil Surgeon's office, 239 individuals have been infected with dengue in a span of five and a half months between January 1 and June 14. In comparison, during the same period last year (2022), only 25 people were affected by dengue.
The breakdown of dengue cases this year is as follows: 77 in January, 22 in February, 12 in March, 18 in April, 53 in May, and 57 in the first 14 days of June. Three deaths have occurred during this time. Among those affected, 162 cases were reported in the city and 77 in the upazila. The affected individuals comprise 121 men, 51 women, and 67 children.
Outside the city, 37 cases were reported in Sitakunda, while Anwara and Satkania had five each. Banshkhali, Raujan, Hathajari, Mirsarai, and Karnaphuli reported four cases each, while Lohagara, Patia, Rangunia, and Sandwip had two cases each. Chandanish and Boalkhali reported one case each.
Chittagong District Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Ilias Chowdhury said: "Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, and controlling mosquito populations is crucial to reduce dengue cases. The incidence of dengue this year is significantly higher than last year. If we do not strengthen mosquito control measures, the situation could worsen compared to previous years. The city corporation has already been informed through a letter to prioritize mosquito control efforts."
According to data from the Civil Surgeon's office, Chittagong reported 17 dengue cases in 2020, followed by 271 cases in 2021, resulting in five deaths. In 2022, the number rose to 5,445 cases with 41 deaths. As of June 14, 2023, 239 people have been infected, and three have lost their lives.
Local residents have expressed numerous complaints regarding the mosquito spraying activities. Md Rumel Chowdhury, a resident of Bahaddarhat area, stated: "The city corporation is not effectively conducting mosquito spraying programs. After waiting for 3-4 months, we may spot someone spraying in the area. They quickly spray the medicine and leave. Due to the lack of regular spraying, mosquito breeding has increased in the city. Burning mosquito coils also fails to repel mosquitoes."
Meanwhile, on June 4, the Chittagong City Corporation initiated a special mosquito control program across 41 wards of the city. Panel Mayor Afroza Zahoor inaugurated the program by using a fogger machine to disperse medicine in front of Presidency International School in Panchlaish residential area, Chawkbazar ward.
Afroza Zahoor remarked that the mosquito infestation in the city has intensified due to the weather. She called upon everyone to remain vigilant about potential breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes to prevent their proliferation. Combating the Aedes mosquito outbreak requires a collaborative effort between the city corporation and its residents. The mosquito control program will continue throughout the monsoon season in all 41 wards, aiming to build a clean and mosquito-free city.
She added: "Stagnant and uncovered water serves as the breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that water does not accumulate for more than three days in cans, flower tubs, roof gardens, and refrigerator trays around households. We should proactively keep our houses, roofs, and yards clean. This is our civic responsibility."
Regarding the ongoing mosquito control program, Md Sharful Islam Mahi, the Malaria and Mosquito Control Officer of the Chittagong City Corporation, stated: "We are currently implementing a mosquito control program, including the distribution of insecticides in the city's alleys and residential areas."
