The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has issued a public alert on its verified Facebook page following the sharp rise in chikungunya infections in Dhaka.
According to data from its diagnostic laboratories, 140 out of 171 patients who underwent RT-PCR testing in the first three weeks of June tested positive for chikungunya — an alarming positivity rate of nearly 82 per cent.
The rate marks a significant increase compared to previous years, prompting calls for heightened public awareness and preventive measures, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka.
Chikungunya is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same vector responsible for spreading dengue and Zika viruses. The disease typically presents with sudden fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. While not completely fatal, it can cause prolonged discomfort and complications if not managed properly.
ICDDR,B urges residents to eliminate stagnant water sources in and around their homes — including flower vases, pots, tyres, and buckets — every three days. Containers used for storing water should be covered and thoroughly cleaned to prevent mosquito eggs from adhering to the sides.
Other preventive measures include the use of mosquito repellents, indoor insecticide sprays, window screens, coils, and mosquito nets. People are also advised to wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing to reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
Given the similarity in symptoms between chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, the ICDDR,B has strongly advised the public to seek medical consultation from registered physicians for accurate diagnosis and treatment, warning against the risks of misdiagnosis and incorrect medication.