MAHENDRANAGAR, June 19: The number of the Dengue infection, traditionally more common in Terai districts, has been rising in the hilly areas of Sudurpaschim Province. Hemraj Joshi, vector control officer at Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate, reported an increase in both dengue cases and mosquito populations in these regions.
Since January, 140 dengue cases have been recorded in the province, with the highest number, 47 cases, in Doti district. Other districts affected include Achham (26 cases), Kanchanpur (24), Bajura (15), Darchula (10), Kailali (9), Bajhang (4), Dadeldhura (3), and Baitadi (2).
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“With the onset of rain, there is an increased risk of the dengue infection in the Terai region as well,” Joshi warned, "Due to extreme heat in the Terai, mosquitoes are currently inactive. However, the risk of infection will rise when it starts to rain and temperatures cool down.”
He said that in recent years, dengue infections have been reported simultaneously in both the hilly and Terai districts of Sudurpaschim.
To combat the outbreak, the Sudurpaschim Province government has implemented measures such as providing kits and medications, training healthcare professionals, and establishing dedicated dengue wards in local hospitals. Additionally, local authorities are conducting vaccination drives and larval habitat destruction campaigns to curb mosquito breeding, Joshi added.
