Public health in Chattogram faces a significant challenge following recent monsoon rains and floods, with various diseases spreading rapidly. Between 10 July and 19 July, a total of 1,163 people were affected by diarrhoea, snakebites, and drowning incidents, resulting in 25 deaths due to drowning.
Alongside these issues, a surge in dengue cases has become a fresh cause for concern, with the total number of infections exceeding 2,000 this year.
According to a report from Divisional Health Department on Monday, 54 new dengue patients were hospitalised in the preceding 24 hours, with 49 admitted to government hospitals and five to private clinics.
This brings the total number of cases in the division this year to 2,075, of whom 1,804 received treatment in government facilities and 271 in private hospitals. Four deaths have been recorded so far – two in Bandarban, one at Chattogram General Hospital, and one in a private hospital.
Currently, 88 dengue patients remain under treatment across various hospitals. The highest numbers are in Cox’s Bazar, with 21 patients, and Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), with 18.
Data from 10 July to 19 July shows that 1,054 people were affected by diarrhoea during this period, though no deaths were reported. In the 24 hours leading up to Monday, 95 new diarrhoea cases were recorded.
Statistics from sub-district level indicate that Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar saw the highest number of daily cases with 23, followed by Satkania in Chattogram with 15.
The division also recorded 83 snakebite victims over the same 10-day period. While three new cases were reported in the last 24 hours – one each in Banshkhali, Chandanaish, and Fatikchhari – there have been no fatalities from snakebites.
The most tragic figures involve drowning incidents. Out of 26 people who fell into water between 10 July and 19 July, 25 lost their lives.
Banshkhali recorded the highest death toll with nine victims, followed by Chakaria with seven. Additional two deaths were reported in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Pekua, and one each in Satkania, Bandarban Sadar, Ruma, Barkal, and Juraichhari.
The health bulletin for Monday confirmed 152 people became ill in a single day across the division from diarrhoea, snakebites, and dengue.
Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, the divisional director (Health) for Chattogram, told TIMES that the rise in diarrhoea and mosquito-borne illnesses is a typical consequence of receding floodwaters. He said there is no alternative to boiling drinking water and using mosquito nets during this period to protect public health.
