PROJECT DETAILS

Research Reveals Surge in Severe Dengue Strain in Chattogram

A research study on the current status of dengue in Chattogram has been conducted under the supervision of the Asperia Health Research Foundation, in collaboration with ICDDR,B, Chittagong Medical College, and the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Chittagong. The study highlights a significant rise in infections caused by the DENV-2 strain of the dengue virus in 2024, with 88% of patients affected—up from 66% last year.

Alarmingly, the study found that a dangerous sub-lineage of DENV-2 known as the Cosmopolitan Lineage is present among patients. This variant is associated with faster deterioration in patient health and higher mortality rates. Last year, genome sequencing revealed that 50% of DENV-2 patients were infected with this sub-lineage. Researchers believe it may have entered Bangladesh through cross-border movements from Myanmar or India, including via Rohingya refugees or international tourists.

In 2023, 69% of dengue cases in Chattogram were due to DENV-2. The presence of the Cosmopolitan Lineage is believed to be a key factor behind the increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Additional genome sequencing of this year’s cases is underway to further assess its prevalence.

Chattogram’s major dengue hotspots include Bakalia, Chawk Bazar, Kotwali, Double Mooring, and Bayezid Bostami, with rural areas like Sitakunda, Hathazari, Patiya, Boalkhali, and Karnaphuli also showing high case counts. Last year, 65% of the patients were male, and one in five was a child.

So far in 2024, 2,333 people have been hospitalized with dengue in Chattogram, with 20 deaths reported. Research data has been submitted to the global GISAID database, and two papers have been accepted in prestigious international journals, spotlighting the growing health threat posed by the emerging strain.