KATHMANDU, Oct 30: The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has reported a decline in dengue infections nationwide this week. Despite higher totals since January, recent data show a decrease in the number of infections in many districts, according to Dr Gokarna Dahal, chief of the Vector Borne Disease Control Section of the division.
According to Dr Dahal, dengue infections are decreasing in districts such as Kaski, Parbat, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Gorkha, while the situation in the Kathmandu Valley appears to be stable. Dr Dahal said that this trend suggests a potential decrease in the number of cases in Kathmandu as well in the coming days. He mentioned that last week's data showed higher numbers in Kaski, but these cases were not confirmed before October and were only confirmed later, resulting in increased figures.
"We do not include duplicated data or cases where the patient's name and details are unclear," he stated. "In Kaski, we only included data where names, surnames, and locations were clearly provided."
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According to last week's data from the EDCD, in October, there are 1,691 new and old cases in Kaski, 438 in Tanahun, 214 in Chitwan, 544 in Lalitpur, and 382 in Bhaktapur, while there are 242 confirmed cases of dengue in Gorkha.
The number of dengue patients coming to the emergency department for regular treatment has also decreased over the past three days, according to the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. The hospital's Director Dr Yuvanidhi Basaula stated that until three days ago, about 40 infected individuals were coming daily, but that number has since declined. On Monday, only 15 patients visited the emergency department, and only eight were admitted for treatment.
According to the EDCD, the total number of infected individuals this year also appears to be lower compared to last year. The data indicates a decrease in infections compared to the previous year. In October last year, 12,699 dengue cases were reported, while this October, only 8,608 people have tested positive for the infection.
In September last year, there were 13,912 reported infections, while this year, 10,594 individuals have been infected. So far, a total of 27,153 people in the country have contracted dengue this year, and 11 deaths have been reported. The infection has spread to 76 districts across the country.
