Chittagong, Jul 18 (V7N)- Dengue infections are rising rapidly in Chittagong as the impact of prolonged rainfall and waterlogging continues to fuel mosquito breeding. Health experts say the infection rate has increased significantly in July compared with the first six months of the year, urging people to seek testing and treatment immediately if they develop a fever.
According to health authorities, 174 people were diagnosed with dengue between July 6 and July 17, while hospitals across the city are witnessing a steady increase in patient admissions.
The dengue ward at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), which had relatively few patients only weeks ago, is now operating at full capacity. New patients are arriving daily from different parts of Chittagong city as well as nearby upazilas, including Rangunia, Raozan and Mirsarai.
Officials from the Civil Surgeon's Office said continuous rainfall has created stagnant water in many areas, providing ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and contributing to the recent spike in infections.
Dr. Nur Mohammad, Dengue Focal Person of the Medicine Department at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said this year's dengue cases are showing some differences in symptoms compared to previous years. He advised people not to ignore even a single day of fever and to undergo dengue testing as early as possible to ensure timely treatment.
Brigadier General Taslim Uddin, Director of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said the hospital has made the necessary preparations to handle a sudden increase in dengue patients and ensure uninterrupted medical services.
According to official data, 529 dengue cases have been recorded in Chittagong so far this year, with 231 infections reported during the first 17 days of July alone, highlighting the sharp rise in cases following the recent spell of heavy rain.
END/SMA/AJ
