Mosquito-borne dengue is gaining ground in Cox’s Bazar, although measles continues to outpace it in terms of infections, according to the latest data released by the district health authorities.
The Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon’s Office reported on Wednesday that 34 people were admitted with measles and 19 with dengue in the past 24 hours.
Pankaj Pal, a statistical officer at the Civil Surgeon’s Office, said Teknaf recorded the highest number of new measles cases, with 11, followed by Ukhiya with 6. Four patients each were admitted in Maheshkhali and Ramu, while Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar municipality and Pekua reported two cases each. Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar Sadar and the Rohingya camps recorded one case each.
Of the 19 new dengue patients, eight were from the Rohingya camps, five from Teknaf and one each from Chakaria, Maheshkhali, Eidgaon and Cox’s Bazar municipality. No new dengue patients were reported from the district’s other upazilas during the reporting period.
According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, Cox’s Bazar has recorded 4,635 measles cases and 20 deaths from the disease so far this year, up to July 15.
During the same period, the district reported 874 dengue cases, with no deaths. Of the total infections, 587 were among Rohingya refugees, although the Rohingya data has been updated only until June 27.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Saber said measles infections had been declining gradually, while dengue cases were increasing.
He said the district administration, health department, local government institutions, and other public and private organisations were jointly conducting awareness campaigns to prevent dengue. These include rallies, leaflet distribution, public awareness meetings and outreach programmes across the district, including remote areas.
“Every effort is being made to implement the government’s dengue prevention measures at the field level. But without public awareness, it will not be possible to control the disease,” he said.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
