Nepal reports over 3,000 dengue cases, 2 deaths

The number of dengue cases in Nepal has crossed 3,000.

Since mid-Poush, 3,130 people have been infected and two have died. Dengue has spread to 74 districts, and in the past week alone, 198 new cases were reported.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), the highest cases are in Bagmati Province with 303, followed by Koshi with 47, Gandaki with 29, Sudurpaschim with 24, Lumbini with 22, Madhesh with 18, and Karnali with 6 cases.

Nepal reported its first dengue cases in 2004. Since then, outbreaks have occurred every year. Earlier, mosquitoes were rare in Kathmandu and other hill or mountain regions, but now dengue has spread even to those areas due to rising temperatures, climate change, dense population, unplanned urbanization, and long monsoon seasons.

Mosquitoes usually grow in temperatures between 15 to 35°C, and dengue-carrying mosquitoes can survive in 10 to 40°C. Their average life span is 30 to 40 days, but their eggs can survive for years in suitable conditions and later hatch into larvae. Within 7 to 10 days, larvae become adult mosquitoes. Dengue mosquitoes (Aedes species) usually bite during the daytime and can lay eggs even in clean water where as little as 5 ml of water is collected.

Health experts say the best way to control dengue is to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites. Citizens themselves must take responsibility.

To reduce risk, surroundings should be kept clean, especially workplaces and homes. Water should not be allowed to collect in flowerpots, buckets, empty drums, old tires, or containers. Water tanks must be covered tightly.

Since Aedes mosquitoes bite mostly in the daytime, people are advised to wear long-sleeved clothes and use mosquito nets even during the day. Children should always sleep inside mosquito nets. Using mosquito repellents and putting nets on windows and doors are also recommended.