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The number of people infected with dengue is rising across Nepal. According to a report published by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) on June 18, a total of 1,241 people have contracted dengue since January this year. The division reports that dengue has been detected in 72 districts countrywide, while no cases have been reported in Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, and Jumla. Despite this, the fear of the disease spreading persists.

Dengue is a vector-borne disease carried by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes also transmit chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus.

The EDCD data shows 141 cases in Kathmandu, 112 in Jhapa, 75 in Chitwan, 59 in Makwanpur, 47 in Doti, 46 in Tanahu, 44 in Sindhupalchok, 41 in Okhaldhunga, 28 in Rupandehi, 27 in Bhaktapur, and 18 in Lalitpur since January. These are the top 10 districts with the highest number of dengue cases. The Bagmati province has reported 428 cases, the highest cases this year.

Garbage in the city provides perfect breeding spots for mosquitoes to lay their eggs, with discarded plastic cups, bottles, and bottle caps being prime locations. The EDCD report reveals that dengue is spreading faster than last year, primarily due to the increasing mosquito population. Warm temperatures and rainfall create ideal breeding conditions, and mosquitoes bite multiple individuals, thus increasing the number of infections, said Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital at Teku, Kathmandu.

Dengue symptoms usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.

August, September, and October have historically seen the highest number of dengue cases in the country. Last year, 14,534 cases were reported in August, 13,912 in September, and 12,699 in October. As cases begin to rise again, we are likely witnessing a pre-outbreak, which could lead to widespread infection, said Dr Pun.

According to the World Health Organization, urbanization, especially unplanned, is associated with dengue transmission through various social and environmental factors, including population density, human mobility, access to reliable water sources, and water storage practices. Community risk is also influenced by a population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue, including behaviors related to water storage, plant keeping, and self-protection against mosquito bites.

The Ministry of Health and Population recommends three ways to control dengue: search and destroy possible mosquito breeding sites, protect yourself from mosquito bites, and seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any symptoms of dengue.

The government must act immediately to curb the infection. Immediate health plans are necessary to reduce the number of infections. Last year, 52,790 people were affected, with 20 deaths. Without timely action, the number of infections could increase significantly.

The Embassy of India in Nepal in association with the Lumbini Development Trust organized a large-scale yoga demonstration at Lumbini – the revered birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to celebrate the 10^th International Yoga Day on Thursday. The theme for this year's International Yoga Day is "Yoga for Self and Society."

Lumbini Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara was the Chief Guest for the event. He thanked the Embassy of India for organizing this significant event at the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and for strengthening India-Nepal cultural ties. He underlined that the International Day of Yoga will help to generate greater awareness about Yoga leading to a more healthy and balanced society, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

Senior officials of the Lumbini Development Trust and more than 900 Yoga enthusiasts from the region participated in the event.

Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava underlined that Yoga has become a global phenomenon, particularly since the United Nations designated 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 based on a proposal by India. He said that the sacred land of Lumbini, a symbol of peace and harmony, provides a perfect setting to celebrate the timeless practice of Yoga. 

The ambassador also said that the Embassy of India will collaborate every year with the Lumbini Development Trust to celebrate the International Day of Yoga in Lumbini, according to the statement.

The event was a part of a series of events being conducted by the Embassy of India to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga across various cities in Nepal. 

The Embassy of India, in association with the Pokhara Metropolitan City, will organize a mega Yoga demonstration at the Pokhara Rangshala Stadium tomorrow to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga.

Three persons died and dozens were injured when a commuter bus hit a parked lorry at Rayamajhi Chowk in Bagmati Municipality of Sarlahi on Thursday.

The deceased have been identified as Hari Bahadur Chaudhary, Dashrath Kohar (85) and Ram Karan Kewat (50) of Mayadevi Rural Municipality of Rupandehi.

Following the incident, they were rushed to the Hariban-based Naumna Hospital. But doctors pronounced them dead on arrival, Inspector Anil Raj Giri of the Area Police Office informed.

The bus was heading towards Janakpur from Rupandehi when the incident occurred this morning.

The injured are being treated at Janakpur, Birgunj and local hospitals.

The Beshisahar-Chame road section has been obstructed following a landslide since last night.

The landslide triggered by incessant rainfall obstructed the road at Kharkhare of Beshisahar Municipality-6, according to the District Police Office.

Information officer at the Office, Thaneshwor Chapai, informed that even a boulder fell on the road, affecting the vehicular movement.

Similarly, the Octopus Falls along the roadway witnessed a rise in water level in the wake of incessant rainfall. It also disrupted the roadway.

Kharkharebhir is one of the risky spots along the roadway. Every year, the disturbance on traffic movement is witnessed here.

Although the federal government had allocated Rs 164 million for landslide control in this area, it is yet to be realized.