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The number of dengue infections is rising across Nepal. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) report published on June 18, a total of 1,241 people have contracted the mosquito-borne disease since January this year. Dengue has been detected in 72 districts, with Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, and Jumla being the only districts free of reported cases. Despite this, the threat of the disease spreading further looms large.

Health experts have warned that the current situation is a pre-outbreak phase, posing a high risk of a nationwide dengue outbreak. The EDCD data highlights the prevalence of cases across various districts: 141 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. Bagmati province has reported the highest number of cases, with 428 infections so far this year.

Historically, August, September, and October see the highest number of dengue cases in Nepal. With infections already on the rise, we can expect a significant increase in the coming months. This underscores the urgent need for the government to implement a comprehensive action plan to combat the dengue epidemic.

The government must immediately launch a "search and destroy" campaign along with other preventive measures to control the spread of dengue. Effective coordination among the three tiers of government is crucial to curb the infection. Since there is no specific medicine to cure dengue, prevention remains the best strategy. Wearing long-sleeved clothes and maintaining cleanliness are essential preventive measures.

Local governments, responsible for controlling communicable diseases and raising awareness in their communities, must act swiftly to eliminate conditions conducive to the rapid growth of mosquitoes and larvae. The only recommended treatment for dengue-related high fever and headaches is paracetamol. Given Nepal's past issues with paracetamol shortages, the government must ensure an adequate supply of this essential medication.

An uncontrolled dengue outbreak could overwhelm Nepal's already fragile health infrastructure and potentially claim hundreds of lives. Immediate and decisive action is needed to prevent this looming public health crisis. The time to act is now.

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.

Cases of viral fever and dengue have been increasing in Sarlahi district for the past few days. The number of patients visiting private and government health facilities to receive treatment has increased lately.

The infection of viral fever is spreading rapidly following the change in the weather in the wake of incessant rainfall for a week, said Dr Nawal Kishore Jha, Deputy Medical Superintendent at the Provincial Hospital, Malangawa.

Patients complaining of sore throat, weakness and high fever are high in number in the hospital of late, said Dr Alok Kumar Kushbaha, Chief of Lalbandi Model Hospital.

Some 10 to 20 patients with infection of viral fever visit healthcare facilities at Lalbandi, Nawalpur, Hariban and Bagmati daily, added Dr Kushbaha.

Most of the viral fever cases were reported at Lalbandi, Nawalpur and Hariban, according to Mumtaz Mikrani, Chief of Department of Health at Lalbandi Municipality.

Similarly, cases of dengue are also on the rise in the district, according to Dr Jha at the Provincial Hospital. There are 61 dengue infected patients reported in the district at present.

To be protected from dengue and viral fever, doctors have advised to keep the surroundings clean so as to keep away mosquitoes and do not closely contact with the infected persons.

Meanwhile, those infected have been advised to take a rest and stay indoor as much as possible while it's scorching hot outside and follow health related precautions.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward-16 Chairman Mukunda Rijal passed away on Thursday.

He died in the course of treatment at the Grande International Hospital this morning, his friend and human rights activist Indra Aryal said.

Rijal, who was being treated at the Grande Hospital after contracting dengue, died of pneumonia, he said.

Nepali Congress leader Srijana Singh also confirmed the death of Rijal.

He was elected as the ward chairman for the second term from the Congress.

Rijal had garnered 4, 019 votes while his closest contender Laxmi Ratna Tuladhar received 3, 310 votes during local level elections held on May 13.

The BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan has additionally allotted 30 beds dedicated to the treatment of dengue.

The 30-bed dengue ward came into operation on Sunday.

Now, Dharan Sub-Metropolis in Sunsari and adjoining areas are in a grip of dengue fever.

As the number of dengue cases continues to rise in Sunsari and the surrounding areas, the existing medical facilities at BPKIHS, such as the 'central emergency' and the 'dengue clinic,' are no longer sufficient to handle the situation, according to BPKIHS acting vice-chancellor Prof Dr Prahlad Karki.

In the past two days, the 50-bed 'observation ward' has been largely occupied by dengue patients.  

Eighty-five percent of beds in the ward are occupied by dengue patients.  The emergency ward in the hospital received 60-75 dengue cases each day.