Dengue outbreak in Cox’s Bazar amid measles outbreak, 659 infected

Deaths from measles symptoms rise to 20 in Cox’s Bazar | Dengue infections high in Rohingya camps | Dengue alert issued

❐ Staff correspondent

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Although the infectious disease measles has not been completely controlled in Cox’s Bazar, the Aedes mosquito-borne disease dengue is raising new concerns. With the onset of the monsoon season, the number of dengue patients in the district has started to increase gradually. The health department has issued additional warnings, especially since the dengue infection is much higher in the Rohingya camps of Ukhia-Teknaf than in the local population.

Meanwhile, the death toll from measles in Cox’s Bazar has risen to 20, including three Rohingya children.

On Saturday, July 4, Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Chaber confirmed the matter. The latest child who died yesterday, Arfan (13 months), is the son of Nabi Hosn, a resident of a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya.

According to the Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon’s Office, a total of 180 dengue patients have been identified in Cox’s Bazar district from January 1 to July 4 this year. Currently, 20 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

In the last 24 hours, 13 patients have recovered and left the hospital. At the same time, five more have been newly admitted. Four of the newly admitted patients are residents of the Rohingya camp in Ukhia-Teknaf and one is a resident of Maheshkhali.

Pankaj Pal, statistics officer at the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, said that although 180 people have been infected with dengue in 10 upazilas of the district this year, no patient has died so far.

According to the health department, the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar district have the highest dengue incidence compared to the local population. From January 1 to July 4 this year, 479 people have been infected with dengue in the Rohingya camps in Ukhia and Teknaf. Although the number of infected people is relatively high, no deaths due to dengue have been reported in the camps so far.

Health experts say that the risk of Aedes mosquitoes spreading in the camps is relatively high due to dense population, stagnant water during the monsoon season, and various environmental factors. Therefore, regular surveillance and awareness activities have been further strengthened there.

Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Chaber said that extensive awareness activities are being conducted in coordination with the district administration, health department, local government department and various government and private organizations to prevent dengue.

He said that awareness rallies, leaflet distribution, campaigns and public awareness meetings have already been held to prevent dengue. These activities have been extended to remote areas of the district.

Dengue prevention programs are being implemented in coordination with each Upazila Health Complex, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, and local administration. In addition, special programs have been conducted in various educational institutions to raise awareness among students.

Dr. Mohammad Shahjahan Nazir, assistant professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at Cox’s Bazar Medical College, said that dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Its main symptom is a high fever, which can range from 99 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The fever may persist, subside with sweating, and then recur.

He said, “In addition to fever, there may be body aches, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, and a red rash on the body. If these symptoms occur, one should seek medical advice immediately.”

He added, “Many people buy medicine from the nearby pharmacy when they have a fever. This can be risky. If you have dengue, you must seek the advice of an experienced doctor. Because taking the wrong medicine or taking some painkillers uncontrollably can increase the risk of bleeding.”

The Health Department says that mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water. Therefore, mosquito larvae can breed in the yard, roof, flower pots, coconut shells, broken pots, tires, or any other place where clean water accumulates for two to three days.

For this reason, one should keep the house and surroundings clean regularly and avoid stagnant water. Also, one should be careful during the day, especially in the morning and afternoon, to avoid Aedes mosquito bites.

The use of mosquito nets must be ensured in vulnerable areas, including Rohingya camps. Health officials also called for the use of nets on doors and windows of houses and reducing the chances of mosquitoes entering.