KATHMANDU, Nov 6: Dengue infections in Nepal have been decreasing since November, following the government's active efforts to control the spread of the disease. Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal, the head of NTD and Vector Borne Disease branch of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, said that the infection rate began to drop after the government launched the "Find and Destroy Mosquitoes" campaign. This initiative, carried out every Friday, targets mosquito breeding grounds in key areas like government offices, hospitals, and other public spaces where the infection has been increasing.
As of the 45th week of the year, the number of reported cases has sharply decreased. In the 42nd week, 2,582 cases were reported; in the 43rd week, it dropped to 2,243; by the 44th week, only 1,711 cases were recorded, and by the 45th week, just 55 new cases were reported. Dr Dahal noted that the decline in cases coincided with the onset of winter, which reduces mosquito activity. However, he cautioned that people should continue to take precautions to prevent further outbreaks.
Dengue kills three people in Gandaki in three weeks
A total of 29,158 dengue cases have been recorded so far, with 12 deaths. Dengue has affected every district in Nepal except Humla. Kaski district has experienced the highest number of infections, with 7,204 reported cases. In the Kathmandu Valley, 6,612 people have been infected, including 4,595 in Kathmandu, 1,186 in Lalitpur, and 831 in Bhaktapur.
The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which spread dengue, breed in stagnant water, particularly in clean environments. The government’s ongoing mosquito control efforts aim to reduce these breeding sites and curb the spread of the disease. While the infection rate is declining, authorities stress the importance of continued vigilance and prevention.
