Kathmandu – The risk of dengue infection is rising across Nepal. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), a total of 1,360 dengue cases have been confirmed in 73 districts so far in the current fiscal year. Dr. Gokarna Dahal, Head of the Vector-Borne Disease Control Section under EDCD, stated that the number of infected individuals has been steadily increasing since mid-December.
Bagmati Province has reported the highest number of cases at 348, followed by Koshi with 282, and Gandaki with 235 confirmed infections. Other provinces also report notable cases: Lumbini (215), Sudurpaschim (174), Karnali (32), and Madhesh (18).
Kathmandu has seen the highest number of cases in a single district with 140 infected individuals, followed by Kaski (92), Sunsari (87), Jhapa (80), Chitwan (62), Palpa (60), Rupandehi (51), Kanchanpur (37), Dang (36), and Bhaktapur (30).
According to Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, an infectious disease specialist at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, dengue transmission is gradually accelerating. “With mosquitoes starting to appear, the rate of infection could rise rapidly in the coming days,” he warned.
Dr. Pun explained that dengue-spreading Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water and bite primarily during the day. Preventing mosquito bites is the key strategy in controlling dengue spread.
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, joint and muscle pain, eye pain, nausea or vomiting, and red rashes on the body. Severe cases may involve bleeding gums, persistent vomiting, intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, irritability, and dizziness.
Treatment for dengue is typically symptom-based. In most cases, rest at home and taking paracetamol as per medical advice helps. Dr. Pun advised against the use of Brufen or antibiotics. He emphasized that individuals with severe symptoms should seek hospital care immediately.
Health professionals warn that those with weak immunity, children under five, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and the elderly are at higher risk of severe dengue complications.
