The wet season, like the winter, comes with very many challenges and dengue is one of them.
Caused by the dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti), this vectorborne disease has emerged as a major seasonal public health threat, especially in urban areas of Nepal.
A number of factors like rising temperatures resulting from climate change, the lack of proper drainage systems, rapid urbanization, potholes resulting from shoddy road construction works, lack of public awareness about the disease and inefficiency on the part of ‘responsible’ government authorities are behind this scourge.
Some reports point out that while the first case of dengue was reported in Nepal as a travel case in 2004, indigenous cases of the disease have become quite common since then.
Province-wise, as of 10 Sept 2022, the Bagmati had the highest number of dengue cases (6205), followed by Lumbini province (1284), Koshi province (282), Sudurpaschim (206), Gandaki (150), Madhes (144) and Karnali (56).
In 2022 and 2023, dengue emerged as a major threat, with 54,784 and 51,243 cases reported.
Are these data not enough to indicate to our responsible authorities that dengue is a clear and present danger?
If they are, what are these authorities doing to bring down dengue cases this time around?
Have they begun de-watering the pits and puddles, and started patching the holes that have become integral parts of our roads? Will they even bother to make sure that stagnated pools of water do not become breeding grounds for these mosquitoes?
While all three tiers of the government have a vital role to play in dengue control and management, blaming the government will not make us safe and secure. The onus is also on us to make sure that our homesteads and localities do not become breeding grounds for the dreaded vector like the mosquito, posing a threat to our health and well-being.
Interestingly, according to a study, mosquitos account for 725,000 deaths every year, followed by people (4.75 lakh), snakes (50,000), dogs (25,000), freshwater snails (10,000), hippos (500), elephants (100) and sharks (10).
According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of dengue cases was recorded in 2023, affecting over 80 countries in all regions of WHO. Since the beginning of 2023 ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases, resulted in a historic high of over 6.5m cases and more than 7300 dengue-related deaths reported.
Water holding containers such as bird baths, pet water dishes, plant saucers, children's pools, boats and junks such as old tires, and discarded appliances are ideal breeding spots for this vector. As the vector lays eggs on water, getting rid of stagnated water is a wise step along with the use of mosquito nets and repellents.
As prevention is better than cure, let’s channelize our energies on keeping this dreaded vector away. Together, we can—and we should.
