Mongla, August 14 (V7N) — While the dengue situation remains a public health concern in Mongla, local health officials are now reporting a sudden surge in chikungunya cases, raising alarm over a dual outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.
 
According to Dr. Mohammad Shahin, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, the number of chikungunya patients has been rising sharply since July. “Every day, around 10 to 12 patients with chikungunya symptoms are seeking treatment, and 4 to 5 of them are being admitted to the hospital,” he said.
 
Both dengue and chikungunya are transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. Patients typically suffer from high fever and severe body pain. “Currently, the prevalence of chikungunya appears higher than dengue,” Dr. Shahin noted, adding that diagnoses are being made based on clinical symptoms due to limited testing facilities.
 
While dengue tests are available at the upazila level, there is no infrastructure to confirm chikungunya. Suspected samples are being sent to Khulna and Dhaka for laboratory confirmation.
 
“This is the worst spike in chikungunya cases we’ve seen since the outbreak four years ago,” Dr. Shahin said. He urged residents to take extra precautions against mosquito bites and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
 
Health authorities are calling for increased public awareness and coordinated mosquito control efforts to curb the spread of both diseases.
 
END/AHS/SMA/