Over 500 dengue cases reported in Chattogram in 7 days

Chattogram has recorded more than 500 dengue cases in the first seven days of September, as intermittent rain creates favourable breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.

According to the district Civil Surgeon’s Office, 2,548 dengue cases have been reported in Chattogram so far this year, with six deaths. Five of the deaths occurred in July, August and September.

The surge has been particularly sharp in recent weeks. The district recorded 1,202 cases throughout August, while only 834 cases were reported during the first seven months of the year.

In the latest 24-hour period, 71 dengue patients were receiving treatment at hospitals across the district. Of them, 13 were at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, 18 at BITID Hospital in Fauzdarhat, 10 at Chattogram General Hospital, one at CMH, 16 at different upazila health complexes and 13 at private hospitals.

Health officials said the situation remains manageable and hospitals are not yet facing significant pressure. However, they stressed the need to intensify mosquito-control and preventive measures as infections continue to rise.

Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Sajedur Rahman said intermittent rainfall was leaving stagnant water in different areas, creating breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and eliminate standing water around their homes.

He said Chattogram City Corporation was continuing regular mosquito-control operations, while the health department was conducting awareness campaigns and distributing leaflets in different areas.

A health department survey of 18 of Chattogram city’s 41 wards found Aedes larvae in nearly 27% of households. The survey said the prevalence of larvae was nearly five times higher than the normal level.

Experts said stagnant water in flower pots, coconut shells, discarded tyres and other containers can provide breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, particularly during periods of intermittent rain.

Doctors also advised dengue patients to focus on maintaining adequate fluid intake and not to seek hospital admission solely because of a positive NS1 test. Admission should be based on the patient’s clinical condition and relevant blood-test results, under medical supervision.

They warned that the risk of complications and bleeding can increase during the critical phase of dengue, particularly after the fever subsides. Doctors advised patients to seek medical attention promptly if their condition deteriorates and cautioned against becoming alarmed solely by a drop in platelet count.

Chattogram has experienced major dengue outbreaks in recent years. The district reported 14,087 cases and 107 deaths in 2023, followed by 4,323 cases and 45 deaths in 2024 and 4,864 cases and 27 deaths in 2025. In 2022, the district recorded 5,445 cases and 41 deaths.