Dengue infections on the rise: Transmission reported from Sunsari to Darchula

Published On: July 6, 2023 04:00 PM NPT By: Pabitra Sunar

KATHMANDU, July 6: The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has revealed that dengue infections have surged to over 1,000 cases within a month since the onset of monsoon. Sadly, one fatality due to dengue was reported in Sunsari last week. It is noteworthy that Sunsari experienced a widespread dengue outbreak last year as well.

Dr Rudra Prasad Marasini, chief of the Division, stated that the current stage of the outbreak is intensifying in Sunsari, Myagdi, Darchula, and Dhading. Additionally, Dr Gokarna Dahal, head of the Vector Borne Disease Control unit at the Division, reported dengue infections across 66 districts, with a significant number of cases observed in these five districts.

Local governments have been advised to take proactive measures to control dengue, as emphasized by Dr Marasini. "We have asked all local governments to remain vigilant and take preventive actions against dengue. The local governments have also shown proactive participation," he affirmed.

Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which thrive in clean water. When an infected mosquito bites a person, dengue is transmitted. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources like pots, coolers, car tires, empty bottles, and drums. As the larvae develop into a large population of mosquitoes, the spread of dengue infections escalates.

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, pain in the head, eyeballs, back, body, and knee joints, along with the appearance of red spots on the body, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases, patients may experience complications due to internal bleeding.

Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical & Infectious Disease Hospital, noted a shift in the dengue spread pattern. Previously, dengue cases were more prevalent from Bhadra-Asoj (mid-August to mid-October), but since last year, the spread has begun as early as Asar (mid-June). This year, there are concerns that dengue cases may increase in high-altitude districts like Darchula, expanding beyond its typical occurrence in Terai and inner Madhesh regions.