Rohingya camps record 2,500 dengue cases, 6 deaths in 8 months
Five patients died while undergoing treatment at camp-run health facilities, while one died at the Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
Dengue continues to spread in Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar despite the monsoon nearing its end, with 2,507 cases and six deaths reported among refugees between 1 January and 29 August this year.
According to the latest dengue situation report prepared by the Cox's Bazar Civil Surgeon's Office and released today (13 September), 41 new dengue patients were identified across the district over the 24 hours leading up to the report, with 25 hospital admissions and 31 discharges.
Between 1 January and 13 September, the district recorded 3,856 cases and 3,660 hospital admissions. Rohingya refugees accounted for 2,500 cases and all six deaths. Five patients died while undergoing treatment at camp-run health facilities, while one died at the Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
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Thirty-five patients remain hospitalised.
Data indicates that the mosquito-borne disease has spread beyond specific clusters into multiple upazilas, with Teknaf, Maheshkhali, and Chakaria registering the highest numbers.
Out of 40 new local infections recorded on 13 September, Teknaf accounted for 33 cases. Eight cases were reported in Maheshkhali, four in Chakaria, four in Ramu, one in Ukhiya, one in Eidgah, and four in Sadar.
Of the 35 patients currently hospitalised, 22 are receiving treatment at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital. Others are admitted to facilities in Maheshkhali, Teknaf, Chakaria, Ukhiya, and Pekua.
Cumulative figures for the year show Teknaf leading with 332 identified cases, followed by Maheshkhali with 268, Chakaria with 261, and Ukhiya with 195. Sadar registered 95 cases, Eidgah 58, Ramu 53, Pekua 14, and Kutubdia 13. Seventeen cases were recorded in municipality areas, alongside 43 from other locations.
Among Rohingya camps, health department figures up to 29 August showed 2,507 total infections and 2,505 hospital admissions.
Dr Abu Toha Md Rezwanul Haque Bhuiyan, chief health coordinator at the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), said 135 new dengue cases were detected in the camps this week.
"Camps with the highest infection rates relative to population include Nayapara RC Camp at 1.61%, Camp 14 at 0.81%, Camp 26 at 0.34%, Camp 19 at 0.31%, and Camp 4 Extension at 0.12%," he added.
