Over 74% of dengue patients in Cox's Bazar are Rohingya; 90% of deaths also from camps
High population density, unmanaged waste, and stagnant water in and around the camps are intensifying mosquito breeding, doctor says
More than 74% of all dengue infections recorded in Cox's Bazar this year have been among Rohingya refugees, while over 90% of dengue-related deaths have occurred in the camps, according to data from the Cox's Bazar Civil Surgeon's Office.
From January to 24 November, a total of 7,717 dengue cases were detected in the district. Of them, 5,720 were Rohingya, accounting for 74.12% of all infections.
During the same period, 11 people died from dengue in Cox's Bazar — 10 of them Rohingya and one a local Bangladeshi — putting the death rate among Rohingya at 90.90%.
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Cox's Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammadul Haque told The Business Standard that necessary medical supplies have been provided to the district hospital, upazila health complexes, and field hospitals operating inside the Rohingya camps. Doctors and nurses have also received training to manage cases effectively, he said.
He added that authorities have taken steps to curb Aedes mosquito breeding by cleaning garbage, plastic waste, drains, canals, and stagnant water areas across Cox's Bazar town, surrounding localities, and the refugee settlements.
"The situation has improved compared to before," he said.
According to Dr Haque, high population density, unmanaged waste, and stagnant water in and around the camps are intensifying mosquito breeding.
