“Temperature drops, Dengue Rises”

As winter days continues to rise with temperatures dipping to seven degree Celsius, the persistent threat of dengue remains a major public health concern. Though the number of infections has declined, cases continue to emerge, underscoring the disease’s year-round prevalence.

While post-monsoon is traditionally considered the peak dengue transmission season, the virus has defied seasonal boundaries, causing outbreaks from early in the year through monsoon and beyond.

Dengue is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also carry diseases like chikungunya and Zika. Entomologist Sishir Panta highlights the adaptability of these vectors: “In winter, Aedes mosquitoes become active during the daytime when temperatures rise. Though their growth slows in cold weather, it does not stop.”

Since January 2024, dengue has infected over 34,000 people and claimed 13 lives across all 77 districts. However, experts warn that official figures likely represent a fraction of the true scale, as 90% of infected individuals exhibit no symptoms, and many cases go unreported. 

The World Health Organization emphasizes that while there is no specific treatment for severe dengue, early detection and timely care can save lives. With Nepal now grappling with a year-round threat, the fight against dengue demands a united, vigilant effort from health authorities and the public alike.

Dengue manifests with symptoms like Mild to high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, Rashes, Pain behind the eyes etc. While mild cases can be managed at home with paracetamol, severe infections require medical care, including platelet-rich plasma transfusions.

Despite past outbreaks, experts argue that lessons learned have not been sufficiently applied. Addressing the underlying causes, raising public awareness, and ensuring prompt medical intervention can help reduce the disease’s burden.