Dengue situation worsens in Chattogram, six areas declared 'red zones'

Infographics: TBS

The dengue situation in Chattogram has reached alarming levels, with six areas of the city now listed as 'red zones' due to the increasing number of dengue infections. 

The Chattogram District Civil Surgeon's office released a report on 8 October, identifying Kotwali, Baklia, Bayezid Bostami, Bandar, Pahartali, and Khulshi as the most affected areas, following a sharp rise in cases in September and October. 

The report, which analysed dengue cases between 1 and 30 September, revealed that a total of 515 dengue patients were identified across 23 areas in the city. 

Among the red-listed zones, Kotwali recorded the highest number of cases with 106, followed by Baklia with 103, Bayezid Bostami with 76, Bandar with 33, Pahartali with 32, and Khulshi with 23. These areas are considered to be at the highest risk due to the rapid spread of the disease.

Five additional areas were categorised as 'yellow zones,' indicating a moderately high risk of infection. Among these areas, 19 people were diagnosed with dengue in Panchlaish, 18 in Halishahar, 15 in Patenga, 11 in Chandgaon, and 10 in Doublemooring. 

Seven areas were designated as 'blue zones,' signaling a lower risk, with Lalkhan Bazar reporting 9 cases, Agrabad 7, Muradpur 6, Akbar Shah and Kattali each with 5, and Nasirabad and Dampara recording 4 cases each.

Meanwhile, four areas were listed in the 'green zone,' representing the least affected areas in the city. These include the Oxygen area with three dengue cases and City Gate, Chowmohani, and Sadarghat, each reporting two cases.

Chattogram District Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam Chowdhury explained the reasons behind the categorisation. 

"To raise awareness among Chattogram City Corporation and the residents, we have listed the areas with higher dengue cases as red zones. We have informed the city corporation, urging them to focus on intensive mosquito eradication efforts in these areas. The public must also remain vigilant and take necessary precautions," he said.

Dr Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also revealed that an entomological survey conducted in various parts of the city confirmed a higher mosquito density in the red zones. 

The dengue outbreak has not only affected the city but also extended to other parts of the district, with an increasing number of patients reported in Lohagara, Banshkhali, and Anwara upazilas. Local authorities in these areas have been alerted to take action.

Dengue, a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes, has seen a significant surge in Chattogram, especially since September. The month recorded the highest number of dengue cases this year, with the infection rate in September alone being four times higher than that of August. 
A total of 907 dengue cases were reported in September, with 585 cases from Chattogram city and 322 from the district's upazilas. The death toll was 11 in the month of September.

The situation worsened at the beginning of October. In just the first week of the month, 362 new cases were detected, pushing the total number of dengue patients in Chattogram to 1,867 for the year. Out of this total, 1,153 cases have been recorded in the city, while 714 cases have been reported from rural areas. Lohagara upazila remains the worst-affected area in the district, with 179 dengue cases recorded so far this year.

Dr Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised the critical need for effective mosquito control to prevent further spread. 

"We have informed the local administration, and they are taking necessary measures. It is crucial that everyone remains vigilant, follows public health advisories, and eliminates mosquito breeding grounds," he said.

This year's dengue outbreak in Chattogram has already claimed 16 lives, with two fatalities reported in January, one each in March, July, and August, and 11 deaths in September alone. The current surge in cases is reminiscent of the severe dengue outbreak in 2023, which saw 14,082 people infected and 107 deaths in Chattogram.

The situation is a stark contrast to previous years. In 2022, Chattogram saw 5,445 dengue cases and 41 deaths, while in 2021, only 271 cases and five deaths were reported. The alarming increase in cases this year underscores the growing threat of dengue in the region, as well as the urgent need for comprehensive mosquito control strategies.

As authorities scramble to contain the outbreak, public awareness remains a critical component of the response. Residents are urged to take preventive measures, including using mosquito repellents, keeping their surroundings clean, and ensuring that there is no stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.