Zika Virus Detected for the First Time in Chattogram, Health Authorities on Alert

For the first time in Chattogram, two individuals have been diagnosed with the Zika virus. The information was confirmed by the district's Civil Surgeon, Dr. Jahangir Alam. On Monday night, a private diagnostic lab in the city detected the presence of the virus through sample testing.The two identified patients are Md. Zaber and Rifat Ara, both aged 42. On the advice of private physicians, they underwent tests at Epic Healthcare, where preliminary results indicated the presence of the Zika virus.Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Md. Touhidul Anwar stated that the initial tests were conducted using a combined detection kit capable of identifying multiple viruses, including Zika. As a result, further confirmatory testing is necessary. The matter has already been reported to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR),

and subsequent steps will be taken based on their recommendations.According to Civil Surgeon Dr. Jahangir Alam, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are all mosquito-borne viral infections transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.He noted that symptoms resembling Zika and chikungunya have been observed in 32 individuals, and the findings have been communicated to IEDCR. However, no official statement has yet been issued from the institution. Although the Zika virus was first detected in Bangladesh in 2014, this is the first confirmed case in Chattogram. Health officials have termed it a public health concern and have urged the general public to remain alert and take preventive measures against mosquito-borne illnesses.