Dengue infections are rising across Cox’s Bazar, including 36 Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas, with both refugees and local residents being affected.
A total of 3,879 people have been infected with dengue across the district this year, while 3,694 patients have received hospital treatment, according to a report by the Cox’s Bazar District Civil Surgeon’s Office.
Of the total infected people, 2,510 are Rohingya refugees living in camps, among whom six deaths have been reported, according to official data.
The report, covering the period from 1 January to 14 September, showed that Teknaf upazila recorded the highest number of dengue cases among local residents, with 332 infections reported until 13 September. Of them, 294 required hospital admission.
The number of cases among local residents was 271 in Maheshkhali, 268 in Chakaria, 195 in Ukhiya, 102 in Cox’s Bazar Sadar, 59 in Eidgaon, 54 in Ramu, 14 each in Pekua and Kutubdia, and 17 in Cox’s Bazar Municipality.
Currently, 33 dengue patients are undergoing treatment at different hospitals across the district, including 23 at Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital.
Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Saber said high population density, poor drainage systems and stagnant water during the monsoon have created favourable breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes in Rohingya camps.
He said dengue infections among refugees remain a concern despite the monsoon season nearing its end, while cases among local residents have started declining.
The Civil Surgeon also warned that overcrowded living conditions in the camps could make dengue control more challenging.
