Cases of dengue fever have nearly tripled this year compared with approximately the same period in 2021, according to statistics from the Arakan State Department of Public Health (DPH).

There were 214 cases of dengue fever reported in Arakan State from January 1, 2021, to July 6 of last year, whereas the state has seen 613 dengue fever cases so far this year, according to figures compiled by the DPH.

The Arakan State capital Sittwe accounted for 106 of this year’s cases, with Thandwe Township reporting 82 cases, Taungup Township recording 80, Manaung Township having 56, Kyauktaw 40 Township tallying seven, and Mrauk-U Township logging 20. The remainder of the cases were spread across Arakan State’s other townships.

Dengue infections typically peak in June and July, and the mosquito-borne illness is most common among children between the ages of 2 and 9, said Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of Arakan State’s DPH.

“Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites during the daytime. Children need mosquito nets when sleeping during the daytime,” he added.

Symptoms, which usually last two to seven days, include high fever, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes or red spots, chills, and muscle and joint pain.

Every year the health department conducts dengue-related health education campaigns, Dr. Soe Win Paing said.

“To prevent the spread of dengue fever, people need to keep mosquitoes out of their homes. 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.

According to figures from the DPH, Arakan State reported 1,808 dengue fever cases and eight associated deaths in 2019. There were 421 cases and one death in Arakan State in 2020.

Caption: Health workers spray around houses as a dengue fever mitigation measure.