10 deaths from dengue, 20 from measles
Dengue infections are rising in Cox’s Bazar, while the measles outbreak appears to be easing, according to data from the district health department.
The district reported 40 new dengue cases in the past 24 hours, while 25 people were identified with measles symptoms in the report dated October 12.
As of October 14, dengue had claimed 10 lives in the district this year. Meanwhile, 18 people had died with suspected measles symptoms, and two others had died after laboratory tests confirmed measles, taking the combined death toll from the two diseases to 30.
The district health department detected 5,769 dengue cases in Cox’s Bazar between January 1 and October 14, with 4,874 patients admitted to hospitals.
The department recorded 7,313 suspected measles cases between January 1 and October 12, of which 226 were confirmed through laboratory tests.
Cox’s Bazar civil surgeon Dr Mohammad Shaber said dengue infections had increased slightly, while measles cases were gradually declining.
“We are continuing cleanliness drives to prevent dengue transmission. At the same time, everyone needs to raise awareness,” he said.
The district health department’s dengue report showed that Maheshkhali recorded the most new cases in the past 24 hours, with 11. Ramu reported five cases, while Teknaf, Ukhiya and Chakaria recorded four each. Kutubdia reported three cases, as did Cox’s Bazar Sadar and the municipal area. One additional case was reported in another area.
During the same period, 34 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals and 29 were discharged. At the time of the report, 65 patients were receiving hospital treatment.
From January 1 to October 14, Teknaf recorded 875 dengue cases, Chakaria 565 and Maheshkhali 473, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the October 12 measles report showed that Pekua recorded the most new measles cases in the preceding 24 hours, with nine. New cases were also reported in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Sadar and other upazilas.
Between January 1 and October 12, Teknaf recorded the highest number of suspected measles cases, with 1,166, followed by Chakaria (1,130), Pekua (778), and Cox’s Bazar Sadar (707).
Of the 18 people who died with suspected measles symptoms, six were from Maheshkhali, three from Ramu, two each from Pekua and Cox’s Bazar Sadar, and one each from Teknaf, Ukhiya, Chakaria and Kutubdia.
Two additional deaths were reported among patients whose measles infections were confirmed through laboratory tests, one each in Chakaria and Ramu.
Health professionals say keeping homes and their surroundings clean, removing stagnant water and destroying mosquito breeding sites are essential to preventing dengue. They also stress the need to ensure children receive vaccinations, identify measles cases promptly, and provide timely medical care to control the disease’s spread.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
