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Published : 24 Jul 2025, 12:31 AM
The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has confirmed that three individuals in Chattogram have tested positive for the zika virus.
At the beginning of July, the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Chattogram informed the IEDCR that two individuals had tested positive for the zika virus.
In response, the IEDCR’s national Rapid Response Team (RRT) conducted an investigation and reported that the virus had been found in three individuals.
A team of entomologists from the IEDCR conducted a survey in six areas of Chattogram city to identify the presence of Aedes mosquitoes and found Aedes mosquito larvae in 62 households out of 128 households.
As per the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Breteau Index (BI), all six surveyed areas showed a high presence of Aedes mosquitoes, classifying them as “high-risk” zones for dengue and chikungunya transmission, the survey reported.
On Jul 8, a private laboratory in Chattogram confirmed two cases of zika virus through a “combined test” method.
The IEDCR confirms that as the zika virus is listed under the International Health Regulations (IHR), they are informed along with the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program.
In response, the IEDCR deployed its RRT from Jul 12 to 18 to investigate the situation in Chattogram. The team conducted surveys across three government hospitals, five private hospitals, diagnostic centres, and five city wards.
Dr Md Omar Qayum, an epidemiologist overseeing the investigation, told bdnews24.com: “Our survey findings, including epidemiological and entomological data, have been compiled into a report. This has been submitted to the local health department, which will take appropriate measures based on the findings.”
According to the report, three individuals in Chattogram were confirmed to have contracted the zika virus in July. The patients include two men and one woman, with two in their forties and one in their fifties.
All three patients exhibited symptoms of fever, joint pain, and muscle aches. Additionally, two of the patients experienced skin rashes and headaches, while the third showed signs of body swelling.
HIGH RISK OF DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA
In the survey, 128 households across Chatteshwari Road, OR Nizam Road, Agrabad, Pahartali, Halishahar, and Jhautala were inspected. The findings revealed Aedes mosquito larvae in 62 of these households.
The BI, a key entomological indicator set by the WHO to measure the density of mosquito larvae and pupae, particularly Aedes mosquitoes, was used in the survey. An area is considered high-risk if the BI exceeds 20.
The surveyed households recorded an alarming average BI of 75.29. Agrabad reported the highest BI at 134.62, followed by Pahartali at 110, Chatteshwari at 48.39, OR Nizam Road at 42.86, and Jhautala at 33.33.
Analysis of the larvae samples showed that 65 percent were Aedes aegypti, 32.64 percent were Aedes albopictus, and 2.86 percent contained a mix of both species.
The report also highlighted a heightened risk of zika virus transmission due to an abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam told bdnews24.com, "The mosquito density, or Breteau Index, is significantly high, increasing the risk of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks.
"Following the report’s recommendations, we have urged the Chattogram City Corporation to initiate mosquito control measures, including insecticide spraying. We have also instructed health assistants in affected areas to raise public awareness. Residents must remain careful and ensure no water accumulates in rooftops, flower pots, or discarded items."
Based on an entomological survey, the IEDCR report recommends immediate mosquito control measures in high-risk areas, gradual expansion of these efforts to other city corporation wards, and active public participation in mosquito control programs.
