Dengue infections are increasing in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram, with 10 people testing positive at the upazila health complex during the first 15 days of September.
The latest figures indicate a noticeable rise in cases within a relatively short period. In August, 12 people sought treatment at the health complex with symptoms associated with dengue, and 10 of them were subsequently confirmed to have the disease. Taken together, 20 dengue cases have been identified in Mirsarai over the past 45 days.
The upazila health complex said another patient, identified as 28-year-old Bablu, was admitted with dengue within the past 24 hours. The increase in reported infections has caused concern among residents, particularly as the rainy season continues to provide conditions favourable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
Patients arriving at the health complex with symptoms suggestive of dengue are being given the necessary medical examinations and tests. Those who test positive are being treated at the facility, depending on their condition.
Health professionals say treatment of infected patients needs to be accompanied by measures to reduce Aedes mosquito breeding sites. Simply treating people after they become ill is not enough to contain transmission if mosquitoes continue to breed around homes and communities.
During the rainy season, stagnant water can accumulate in a variety of places, creating suitable breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Residents have therefore been advised to regularly inspect their homes and surrounding areas and remove standing water wherever it is found.
Particular attention is needed for flower pots, discarded containers, drums and other items capable of holding rainwater. Even small amounts of stagnant water can provide a potential breeding environment, making regular cleaning and removal of accumulated water an important part of household dengue prevention.
Doctors are also urging people not to ignore fever or other symptoms that may be associated with dengue. Early medical advice can help determine whether testing is necessary and whether the patient requires treatment or monitoring at a health facility.
Mirsarai Upazila Health Officer Dr Md Minhaj Uddin stressed that awareness at individual and family level remains essential to preventing the disease.
He advised residents to seek medical advice promptly if they develop fever or other symptoms associated with dengue rather than dismissing them as an ordinary illness.
The recent figures have placed the local health situation under closer attention. Ten cases were confirmed in August, while another 10 have already been identified in the first half of September. With the rainy season creating continued opportunities for mosquito breeding, health officials are emphasising household cleanliness, removal of stagnant water and timely medical consultation.
The health authorities are continuing to examine patients who arrive with suspected dengue symptoms and provide treatment to those who test positive. At community level, residents are being encouraged to take regular preventive measures around their homes so that potential Aedes breeding sites do not remain undisturbed.
For Mirsarai, the rise in confirmed cases over the past month and a half highlights the need for sustained vigilance during the ongoing mosquito-breeding season. Alongside medical treatment, reducing the places where Aedes mosquitoes can breed remains a key part of efforts to limit further infections.
