Unknown Virus Strikes Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar

Shihab Moin | PNN Cox’s Bazar Correspondent: The Rohingya camps located in Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — known as the world’s largest refugee settlement — continue to witness endless suffering. Now, an unknown virus has begun to spread rapidly within the camps, raising serious concern among health officials and residents alike.

According to available reports, more than 5,000 Rohingya refugees have already been infected. The number continues to rise each day. Doctors have stated that the nature of the virus remains unidentified. Although symptoms resemble chikungunya or dengue, laboratory tests have failed to confirm either.

Healthcare workers and doctors have expressed deep concern over the outbreak. Panic is spreading among the infected population. Several deaths have already occurred, and it is suspected that they were caused by this unidentified virus.

Common symptoms among patients include high fever, breathing difficulties, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, blood clots in various parts of the body, and skin rashes. One physician noted that a sharp drop in platelet count is significantly increasing the risk of death.

In this critical situation, it is urgent for the Ministry of Health to take immediate action. If not contained soon, the virus could spread further and escalate into a full-blown epidemic.