There were 214 cases of dengue fever reported in Arakan State from January to July 6, according to a source from the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH).

Sittwe Township recorded 67 dengue fever cases, while Thandwe reported the second-most with 42. Kyaukphyu Township had 20 cases and Mrauk-U logged 15, with fewer cases reported in other Arakan State townships.

No cases of dengue fever have been reported in Buthidaung and Gwa townships said an official from the Arakan State DPH’s Disease Control and Prevention Team, who added that residents there should still take precautions against the disease.

“The main cause of dengue fever is mosquito bites. During the rainy season, mosquito bites cause dengue fever in the daytime,” he said.

Dengue fever is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 9, according to the Disease Control and Prevention Team.

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

“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 mosquitos,” he said.

Every year the health department conducts dengue-related health education campaigns beginning in February.

A mosquito-borne tropical disease, dengue fever can infect anyone, 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 figures compiled by the DPH, Arakan State saw 1,808 dengue fever cases and eight deaths in 2019.