Chattogram’s Battle with Dengue: A Crisis Unfolding

Chattogram faces an alarming surge in dengue cases, with the situation escalating rapidly. Despite the increasing number of patients and fatalities, the preventive measures seem to be falling short. The city’s residents and experts are now raising concerns over the adequacy of the initiatives taken by the authorities.*

Chattogram’s Dengue Crisis: By the Numbers

The month has witnessed a sharp rise in dengue cases in Chattogram.

• On average, around 100 patients are detected daily. For instance, 103 patients were identified on Sunday, 80 on Saturday, 84 on Thursday, and 91 on Wednesday.
• The death toll due to dengue is also on the rise. From January to June, nine patients succumbed to the disease.
• However, the subsequent two months, July and August, saw 37 fatalities, bringing the year’s death toll to 46 till August 20. On August 20 alone, two patients died, while three lost their lives on August 19.

The first half of the year saw 500 dengue patients admitted to hospitals in Chattogram. But since July, a staggering 3,920 patients have been hospitalized, pushing the year’s total to 4,480 as of August 21, according to the Chattogram Civil Surgeon Office. Experts believe the actual numbers could be much higher, as many patients opt for in-house treatments or consult private doctors. Currently, 226 dengue patients are receiving treatment in various Chattogram hospitals.

Is Enough Being Done?

While the situation is dire, the efforts of the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and the Directorate of Health to curb the Aedes mosquito breeding appear to be lacking.

• A survey in 2021 identified Aedes breeding spots, leading to measures to eliminate the larvae.
• However, no such survey has been conducted in 2022.

Rural areas, too, are witnessing a surge in cases. For instance, Sonaichhari village in Sitakunda upazila has detected around 100 dengue cases this year, yet no anti-mosquito drive has been initiated.

The CCC launched a 100-day anti-mosquito program on June 22 and conducted drives, penalizing individuals for larvae presence in their vicinity. However, civil society members argue that these efforts are too little, too late.

Expert Opinions and Official Statements

Chattogram District entomologist, Entajer Ferdous, emphasized the need for spraying insecticides during dawn and dusk, the peak mosquito activity periods.

• CCC mayor, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, highlighted the role of public awareness, stating that the CCC can only address external mosquito breeding grounds.
• Dr. Md Mohiuddin, Chattogram divisional director of the Directorate General of Health Services, mentioned ongoing surveys to identify dengue hotspots.

Conclusion

The dengue outbreak in Chattogram is a pressing concern. While authorities are taking steps, the question remains: Are these measures enough? We urge our readers to share their experiences and suggestions on tackling this health crisis.