Bangladesh has recorded 67 cases of Chikungunya and 11 cases of Zika virus so far in 2024, according to a report of The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.
Halimur Rashid, line director of IEDCR, disclosed the information at a press briefing at Mohakhali in Dhaka on Monday.
Abu Zafar, director general of the directorate general of health services was present.
Abu Zafar said that 90 per cent of those infected with the Zika virus showed no symptoms and the mortality rate from the disease was zero.
鈥楬owever, we must remain vigilant about this matter as both Chikungunya and Zika viruses spread through Aedes mosquitoes,鈥� he said.
He also urged all to remain aware about the two diseases and keep houses neat and clean. 鈥楾here is no reason to be much worried over Zika and Chikungunya,鈥� he mentioned.
Mentioning that the dengue cases and deaths were higher compared to other time of the year, the DGHS DG said that dengue was not being given proper attention, causing a rise in the number of fatalities.
Dengue cases continued to rise during the period due to climate change. Patients infected with dengue did not come to the hospital unless the condition deteriorated and so they went into shock in a very short time, he said.
The mortality rate was rising due to the delay in seeking hospital care, he added.
鈥楾he highest number of deaths from dengue is recorded in Dhaka among people aged between 20 to 40 while in Chattogram, the mortality rate is comparatively higher among children than the elderly people,鈥� he explained.
