Rohingya camps became Dengue ‘Hotspot’

The number of dengue patients in Bangladesh is increasing rapidly.  Meanwhile, Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar outside Dhaka have become dengue hotspots.  The mosquito-borne disease is on the rise among refugees.

Director of the Department of Health Disease Control Branch (DGHS) Dr.  Nazmul Islam said that until May 23 this year, 1,666 dengue patients have been detected in Rohingya camps in different areas of Cox’s Bazar.  And among the Bangladeshis in Cox’s Bazar, this number is 426.

However, according to the latest data of DGHS, from January 1 to June 6 this year, 1,243 dengue patients have been detected in the Rohingya camp and surrounding communities in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas of Cox’s Bazar.  Among them, 26 people died.

Nazmul Islam said that the rate of dengue infection is highest in Rohingya camps.  He also said that the number of dengue patients is highest in Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.  Last year, 17 thousand dengue patients were identified there.  This year also the number of dengue patients is very high.

According to the official information, the number of dengue patients increases significantly when the rainy season starts from 2022.  Experts fear that the dengue situation in the Rohingya camps will be more severe this season.

Nazmul Islam said the Rohingya have limited sources of clean water, so they collect water and often leave it in open containers, which are a good breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Rohingya camp has more people in less space.  As a result, the number of dengue patients there is more than other areas.

Md Farooq from camp 26 of Teknaf said, “We are living in a congested camp where our drinking water supply is very limited. And so it is difficult to keep our toilets neat and clean. As a result mosquitos gathered there and bites us.”

Another Refugee from Naypara registered camp said under anonymity that their health care facility is also limited. The on duty doctors neglect Refugees during treatment. For which, refugees don’t get proper treatment. On the other hand drains and toilets remain dirty. Dengue preventive action is rarely being seen.