MOKAMMEL SHUVO, Cox’s Bazar

Chickenpox infections have surged in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, with over 8,700 cases reported in the past three months, raising concern among health officials.

The spike highlights growing vulnerability in the densely populated camps, where overcrowding and limited hygiene facilities are accelerating transmission, particularly among children.

Dr Toha Bhuiyan, health coordinator of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, said 8,769 people were infected with chickenpox in the past three months. In comparison, 1,355 cases were recorded in the last six months of last year.

Measles and rubella remain largely under control as a result of routine vaccination, he said, suggesting that greater awareness and preventive measures are needed to curb chickenpox.

“Regular immunisation for children in the camps is ongoing according to schedule,” Dr Toha said, adding that such diseases tend to rise during this season, though the risk of death remains low.

Officials said cramped living conditions, shared facilities and limited scope for isolation are contributing to the rapid spread.

“My son suddenly developed rashes, followed by fever. We are trying to keep him isolated, but it is very difficult as we all live in one room,” said Nurjahan, a resident of Kutupalong camp.

Another parent, Mohammad Idris, said, “If one person gets infected, others quickly catch it. It is becoming very difficult to manage the children.”