Ctg Correspondent:
The dengue outbreak in Chittagong is intensifying, with 4,914 infections and 21 deaths recorded in the district between January 1 and October 5.
The situation worsened sharply in September, when 2,430 cases and 16 deaths were reported.
According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, 107 new dengue cases were detected in the 24 hours until 8am on Sunday. Of the 4,914 patients recorded this year, 260 are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals, while 4,654 have recovered and been discharged.
September sees sharp rise
The dengue situation remained relatively mild at the beginning of the year, with 68 cases in January, 22 in February, 20 in March, 29 in April and 37 in May.
Cases began rising in June, reaching 122 that month, followed by 536 in July and 1,202 in August. The number surged to 2,430 in September.
Another 448 cases were reported in the first five days of October.
September was also the deadliest month, accounting for 16 of the 21 deaths recorded this year. Two deaths each were reported in July and August, while one was recorded in February.
No new dengue deaths were reported in the 24 hours preceding the latest update.
Sitakunda records highest cases among upazilas
According to data from the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, 2,285 of the 4,914 cases were reported in Chittagong city, 2,098 in different upazilas and 531 among patients who came from other districts.
Among the upazilas, Sitakunda recorded the highest number of cases at 620, followed by Karnaphuli with 285, Banshkhali 154, Rangunia 152, Satkania 121, Anwara 112, Raozan 103 and Patiya 100.
Other cases were reported in Hathazari (84), Chandanaish (77), Boalkhali (76), Mirsharai (79), Lohagara (66), Fatikchhari (44) and Sandwip (25).
More men infected, more women die
Of the total dengue patients recorded this year, 2,402 are men, 1,403 are women and 1,109 are children.
Among the 107 patients admitted in the 24-hour period, 56 were men, 23 were women and 28 were children.
However, women accounted for the highest number of deaths. Of the 21 people who died, 11 were women, six were children and four were men.
Cases surpass previous two years
The number of dengue cases recorded in Chittagong this year has already surpassed the totals for the previous two years.
The district recorded 4,323 cases and 45 deaths in 2024, while 4,864 cases and 27 deaths were reported in 2025.
As of October 5 this year, the number of cases stood at 4,914, with 21 deaths.
Residents raise concerns over mosquito control
Residents have complained that mosquito-control activities in Chittagong have not kept pace with the rising number of dengue cases.
Muntasir Uddin, a resident of Sangeet Residential Area in Hamzarbag, said mosquito infestations in the area had become severe, while City Corporation workers assigned to mosquito control were rarely seen.
He also alleged a lack of supervision over the effectiveness of insecticide spraying.
Jamal Uddin, a resident of Chandanpura, said the number of dengue patients in the city had increased significantly, but City Corporation monitoring had not increased proportionately.
Experts stress destroying breeding grounds
District Civil Surgeon Mohammad Sajedur Rahman told that dengue is a mosquito-borne disease and urged residents to keep their surroundings clean.
He said dengue could be controlled by destroying mosquito breeding grounds and advised people to undergo dengue tests and seek medical advice promptly if they develop a fever.
Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, divisional director of health in Chittagong, also advised people to consult a doctor immediately if they develop fever or symptoms of dengue.
He said the most important measure to prevent dengue was to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, while efforts should also be made to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
He said the City Corporation had been sent several letters urging it to intensify mosquito-control activities.
Ashraful Amin, chief executive officer and secretary of Chittagong City Corporation, told Bangla Tribune that the corporation was conducting regular mosquito-control activities to combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
He said special “crash programmes” were also being conducted in different areas when necessary.
Amin said dengue could not be controlled through insecticide spraying alone and stressed the need to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.
He also urged residents to prevent water from stagnating in and around their homes, rooftops, construction sites and other areas.