Dengue Risk Soars in Chittagong as Health Survey Finds Larvae in One in Four Homes
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A recent health survey conducted by the Chittagong divisional health department has revealed that nearly one in every four households in Chittagong city is infested with Aedes mosquito larvae, a primary vector for dengue and chikungunya. The comprehensive study, conducted between June 8 and June 20, involved an inspection of 370 homes across 18 wards, identifying alarming levels of infestation that exceed international safety thresholds.
Investigators found mosquito larvae in 27 percent of the surveyed homes, significantly higher than the acceptable “house index” of 5 percent. Furthermore, an inspection of 345 water containers—including flowerpots, discarded tires, AC trays, refrigerator drip pans, and construction materials—revealed larvae in 33 percent of them. Notably, the study found a shift in breeding patterns, with larvae now frequently appearing on the floors of construction sites, even in the presence of cement, in addition to traditional breeding spots like elevator shafts.
বিজ্ঞাপন
According to the report, the identified larvae consist of approximately 70 to 80 percent *Aedes aegypti* and 20 to 30 percent *Aedes albopictus*. Health officials have flagged eight wards as “red zones” due to an extreme risk of infection: North Kattali, Panchlaish, Jalalabad, West Bakalia, South Bakalia, South Halishahar, Patharghata, and Andarkilla. These areas have been identified as primary hotspots for both larvae density and reported dengue cases.
The data indicates that Chittagong is currently facing a high-risk scenario, with all three international density indicators—container index, house index, and the ratio of containers to houses—vastly exceeding safe limits. Public health experts warn that a container index above 10 percent signals a high risk of an outbreak; Chittagong’s current rate is more than triple that threshold.
বিজ্ঞাপন
As of the latest health records, 280 dengue cases have been reported in Chittagong this year, with 104 infections occurring in June alone. The majority of these patients are residents of the city corporation area or adjacent upazilas, including Sitakunda, Karnaphuli, and Hathazari. Historically, dengue transmission in the region peaks between July and November, prompting local authorities to accelerate preventative measures.
In response to the findings, the health department has submitted four urgent recommendations to the Chittagong City Corporation, emphasizing the destruction of breeding grounds, regular cleaning operations, and the elimination of stagnant water. Authorities are also prioritizing the use of effective insecticides and enhancing public awareness.
City officials have confirmed they are intensifying surveillance in the eight designated red zones. Plans include mapping the specific locations of infected patients to conduct targeted anti-larval spraying and community outreach. Meanwhile, the divisional health office has bolstered hospital readiness by ensuring adequate saline supplies and training medical personnel to manage the anticipated seasonal surge in cases.
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