Dengue spreads almost across country, reaching 72 districts

Kathmandu: With the arrival of monsoon, the cases of dengue infection have increased.

The period from June to August is considered highly risky in terms of dengue transmission. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), a total of 1,255 dengue cases have been reported from January 1 to June 8 of this year.

As of today, dengue infections have been recorded in 72 districts across the country, with the highest number of cases reported in Kathmandu (132), followed by Kaski (90), Sunsari (87), Chitwan (61), Rupandehi (47), Kanchanpur (37), Dang (32), and Bhaktapur (30).

While there is currently no way to eliminate mosquito larvae responsible for dengue and reduce infection rates to zero, efforts to contain the spread of the disease are ongoing.

Health Ministry officials have stressed the need for collective action involving communities and non-governmental organisations to effectively control the infection.

This year, the monsoon has arrived earlier than usual, and above-average rainfall has been forecast, which may contribute to an increase in infection rates.

Dr Gokarna Dahal, Chief of the NTD and Vector-Borne Disease Control Section within the EDCD, stated that although sufficient data to accurately predict the infection rate is lacking, the early monsoon onset and expected above-average rainfall suggest a likelihood of increased dengue transmission this season.

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