Not seasonal, dengue in Ctg now endemic; 25 areas marked high-risk
Health experts warn that while this year’s infection rate is high, the death rate remains comparatively low, but fatalities could rise next year if preventive measures are not strengthened
Highlights:
- Dengue is now endemic in Chattogram, occurring year-round
- Authorities identified 25 high-risk neighbourhoods, five extremely high-risk
- Infections high this year, but fatalities relatively low so far
- Experts warn deaths may rise next year due to mutations
- Officials urge stronger mosquito control, cleanliness, and regular fumigation
- Over 3,800 infections and 21 deaths recorded in Chattogram this year
Dengue is no longer a seasonal disease in Chattogram – it has reached endemic levels, with infections expected throughout the year. In response, the District Civil Surgeon's office has identified 25 areas in the city as high-risk "hotspots," including five classified as "extremely high-risk."
Health experts warn that while this year's infection rate is high, the death rate remains comparatively low, but fatalities could rise next year if preventive measures are not strengthened.
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Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, divisional director of Health, told TBS, "Dengue has become an endemic disease. Earlier, outbreaks occurred only when water accumulated during the rainy season. Now, mosquitoes are breeding even in dirty drains, and larvae have even been found in seawater, which is very concerning."
He added, "Although infections are high this year, deaths are relatively few. Experts, however, predict that next year, fatalities may increase, as dengue virus variants can mutate and render standard medicines ineffective. Heightened vigilance is needed now."
The District Civil Surgeon's recent survey highlighted 25 dengue-prone areas in Chattogram city, with regular larva surveys ongoing. The office has urged the city corporation to take immediate preventive measures. The five extremely high-risk areas include Bandar, Kotwali, KPZ, Halishahar, and Sadarghat.
Other identified high-risk neighbourhoods include Baklia, Bayezid, Pahartali, Double Mooring, Khulshi, Panchlaish, Akbarshah, Chawkbazar, Chandgaon, Patenga, Agrabad, Patharghata, Lal Khan Bazar, Anderkilla, Kattoli, Dewanhat, 2 No Gate, Muradpur, Chandanpura, and Mohammadpur.
The Civil Surgeon's office has called for maximum mosquito control efforts, intensified cleanliness, monitoring of stagnant water and waste, and regular fumigation campaigns in these areas.
According to the office, as of 8 November, 3,822 people have been infected with dengue in Chattogram this year, including 2,061 in the city and 1,761 in 15 upazilas of the district. Among the patients, 674 are children, 2,010 are men, and 1,138 are women. There have been 21 deaths: three children, 12 men, and six women.
While infection and death rates are slightly lower than last year, the situation remains concerning. In 2024, 4,323 people were infected with 45 deaths; in 2023, 14,087 infections with 107 deaths; and in 2022, 5,445 infections with 41 deaths.
Dr Jahangir Alam, Chattogram civil surgeon, said, "Dengue continues to spread even at this time of year, with new cases detected daily. Chikungunya cases have decreased slightly, but dengue remains high in some areas. Both diseases are mosquito-borne, and effective vector control is critical. The city corporation has been urged to take necessary measures immediately, as any delay could increase infections further."
Sharful Islam Mahi, Chattogram City Corporation's mosquito control officer, said spraying and fogging are ongoing throughout the year. Special crash programs target areas with higher dengue incidence. Currently, 210 workers are treating 41 wards, with seven workers in large wards and five in smaller wards. Six special teams of 72 members each have been formed to regularly spray affected areas and assist in controlling the outbreak.
