Unidentified Fever Outbreak Alarms Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar Camps

By: Syedul Mostafa, from Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — May 16, 2025
A mysterious and rapidly spreading fever is causing widespread distress in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, with residents reporting severe symptoms. At the same time, health services struggle to identify the cause or provide adequate treatment.

Over the past two weeks, dozens of refugees, especially in Camp-4 Extension and Camp-2W, have experienced high fevers, intense headaches, severe joint and leg pain, skin rashes, chills, and extreme fatigue. Many describe the pain as “like having broken bones” and report complete loss of appetite and the inability to stand or move for days.

“We are just given paracetamol and tested for dengue. The tests come back negative, but the fever doesn’t go away,” said Noor Begum, a resident of Camp-4 Extension.

In many cases, patients only begin to recover after taking antibiotics—often sourced through private pharmacies or external help. But for most refugees, such access is out of reach.

“This is not a normal fever. It spreads fast within families, and people are left bedridden. Many can’t even eat,” said Mohammed Elias, a health volunteer from Camp-2W.

Despite repeated complaints and growing panic among residents, no official diagnosis or investigation has been launched by health authorities or international agencies operating in the camps. Medical facilities remain under-equipped—lacking trained personnel, laboratory testing, and essential medicines—leaving community health volunteers overwhelmed.

Families are especially concerned about children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to complications. “My child has been sick for five days. No medicine is helping. We are terrified,” said one camp resident.

With the number of cases increasing daily, community leaders are urging the Bangladesh government, UN agencies, and international health organizations to take urgent action—conduct proper medical assessments, deploy expert teams, and supply the necessary antibiotics and supportive care.

Without timely intervention, residents fear the situation could escalate into a larger public health crisis, endangering thousands in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settlements.