Dengue Spreading Across 72 Districts: Stay Safe, Stop Mosquito Breeding

With the start of the monsoon season, dengue infections have begun to appear in different parts of Nepal. The period from June to August is considered the most risky time for dengue outbreaks. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), a total of 1,255 people have been infected with dengue between January 1 and June 8 this year. So far, dengue cases have been confirmed in 72 districts across the country.

Among all the districts, Kathmandu has the highest number of infections with 132 cases. After Kathmandu, Kaski has reported 90 cases, Sunsari 87, Chitwan 61, Palpa 51, Rupandehi 47, Kanchanpur 37, Dang 32, and Bhaktapur 30 cases.

According to Dr. Gokarna Dahal, the chief of the Vector-Borne Disease Control Section at EDCD, it may not be possible to completely wipe out dengue or the mosquitoes that spread the disease, but it is definitely possible to control it. He explained that since the monsoon has started early this year and heavy rainfall is expected, the number of infections might increase in the coming weeks. He also mentioned that if everyone—from individuals to all three levels of government—works together and takes part in prevention programs, the number of infections and deaths from dengue can be reduced.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that spreads through the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. To avoid getting infected, people must protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Health experts have suggested that everyone should wear clothes that cover the body fully, close or fill open spaces where water might collect, repair leaks in water taps or drains, and store empty containers upside down. Water tanks should be emptied and cleaned regularly. Sleeping under mosquito nets and covering water storage containers properly can help stop mosquitoes from breeding. People are also advised to clean their surroundings, workplaces, and public areas and safely throw away bottles, cans, plastic items, and other containers that could collect water.

If these steps are followed properly, the risk of dengue infection can be greatly reduced.