Seasonal uptick in dengue cases reported as Arakan State logs 94 cases through mid-June

By DMG 16 Jun 2021

DMG Newsroom
16 June 2021, Sittwe

There were 94 cases of dengue fever in Arakan State this year from January to June 15, according to the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH).

Thandwe recorded 32 dengue cases while Rathedaung reported 20 cases, Sittwe had 19 cases, Kyaukphyu logged nine cases and Pauktaw tallied five, with a few cases reported in a handful of other Arakan State townships.

Fifty out of the 94 cases of dengue fever were reported in the first half of June alone, according to Dr. Zaw Zaw Aung, deputy medical superintendent from the DPH, who emphasised the importance of keeping mosquitoes out of one’s home, particularly during the rainy season.

“Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites during the daytime. Children need mosquito nets when sleeping during the daytime. The home environment needs to be kept clean to prevent mosquitoes,” he said.

Dr. Zaw Zaw Aung said every year the health department conducts dengue-related health education campaigns starting in February.

“Water needs to be changed to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in places such as pagoda vases and car tires. The health department is also spraying the affected areas around houses. It is important to change the water to keep your home and environment clean,” he added.

A mosquito-borne tropical disease, dengue fever can infect all people, regardless of age or gender.

There were 421 cases of dengue fever and one death in Arakan State last year, according to the state DPH.

According to DPH figures, Arakan State saw 1,808 dengue fever cases and eight deaths in 2019.