Dengue cases surge in Chattogram as 361 infections recorded in 11 days

Dengue cases in Chattogram are surging rapidly in August, triggering concern among residents.

In the 24 hours leading up to 10pm on Tuesday, 41 new cases were reported, bringing Chattogram’s tally for the first 11 days of August to 361. Currently, 142 patients are undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals.

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Historical data shows dengue transmission peaks between July and October. The district recorded 2,640 cases in 2022; 12,003 in 2023; 2,737 in 2024; and 3,060 in 2025. This year follows a similar trajectory, with monthly detections rising from 68 in January to 536 in July.

According to the Civil Surgeon’s office, Chattogram has recorded 1,195 dengue cases and three deaths from January through August 11. Sitakunda upazila has the highest hospitalisations with 128 cases, followed by Karnaphuli with 90.

Dr Jahangir Alam, civil surgeon of Chattogram, said the combined number of cases recorded in July and early August was nearly double the total reported during the previous six months.

“Intermittent monsoon rains create ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. Although cases have been detected across the area, more than 99 percent of patients recover. The three fatalities involved people who sought hospital treatment late,” he said.

Currently, Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is treating 50 patients, followed by 18 in BITID, 18 in Chattogram General Hospital, 6 in Chattogram CMH, 20 in upazila health complexes, 30 in and private facilities.

Surveys reveal alarming larval density

A pre-monsoon survey by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) across 18 Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) wards revealed alarming larval density. Inspectors examined 370 households between June 8 and June 18, finding Aedes larvae in 99. Out of 345 water containers, 114 tested positive.

Eight wards were designated high-risk zones: Uttar Kattali (Ward 10), Panchlaish (Ward 3), Jalalabad (Ward 2), Paschim Bakalia (Ward 17), Dakkhin Bakalia (Ward 19), Patharghata (Ward 34), Anderkilla (Ward 32), and Dakkhin Halishahar (Ward 39).

Md Mofizul Haque Shah, divisional entomologist, said Aedes Aegypti constituted 70-80 percent of larvae. He recommended eliminating stagnant water within three days, conducting waste drives, monitoring construction sites, and applying larvicide and adulticide around sunrise and sunset.

Sharful Islam Mahi, mosquito control officer of CCC, said a special crash programme has been launched. “A dedicated 60-member team is working exclusively in the identified hotspots, and we hold a sufficient six-month stock of larvicide and adulticide,” he said.