The post-monsoon season is typically regarded as the dengue epidemic period, but this year, numerous districts in the country have already experienced outbreaks of the deadly disease even before the onset of monsoon.
Public health experts have warned of a potentially massive outbreak of the virus in the coming days, with the monsoon season just around the corner. They express concern over the lack of substantial preventive measures being taken by authorities. “Except counting the number of infected people and releasing statements, not much of substance is being done,” said Dr. Baburam Gautam, a public health expert. “The general public has stopped taking such statements on dengue infection seriously.”
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which also transmit chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus, according to the World Health Organisation.
Data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division reveals that at least 1,105 people from 69 districts have been infected with the dengue virus since January this year. Kathmandu has reported the highest number of cases with 112. Jhapa district recorded 109 cases, followed by Chitwan (73), Makwanpur (58), Sindhupalchok (44), Tanahun (39), Okhaldhunga (38), Doti (30), Rupandehi (28), and Bhaktapur (27). The three districts of the Valley—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur—together reported 157 cases during this period. Even mountain districts like Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, and Kalikot have reported dengue cases.
Public health experts suggest that the reported cases could be just the tip of the iceberg, as approximately 80 percent of those infected are asymptomatic. Many people infected with dengue exhibit mild symptoms that can be treated at home with paracetamol.
Last year, at least 20 people died, and more than 52,000 were infected by the virus, which had spread to all 77 districts. In 2022, a total of 88 people died and over 54,000 were infected across the country. At the time, hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley were overwhelmed with dengue patients, and pharmacies ran out of paracetamol, the most widely used medication to treat fever. In 2019, the disease killed at least six people and more than 16,000 were hospitalized across the country, spreading to 68 districts.
While post-monsoon is considered a highly transmissible season for dengue, Nepal has witnessed outbreaks throughout the year, making the country endemic to the virus. Experts believe this is the right time to prepare for and prevent possible outbreaks. Waiting for a massive outbreak would be a big mistake, they warn. Authorities should launch awareness drives, step up vector surveillance, and take other preventive measures.
Health ministry officials have stated that they have alerted all related agencies to the risk of a dengue outbreak. “Even if massive outbreaks have not been seen in any place, many districts have already reported dengue cases,” said Gokarna Dahal, chief of the Vector Control Section at the division. Authorities and agencies in some local units have initiated activities to raise residents’ awareness of the risks, and have urged all health agencies to take preventive measures.
Epidemiologists and virologists say the dengue virus has emerged as a major public health issue in Nepal. Despite thousands of infections and numerous deaths, authorities do not take the threat seriously, they claim. Measures such as search-and-destroy operations and awareness drives should be initiated to contain the spread of the virus-spreading vectors.
Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes breed in clean water and bite people during daylight hours. Uncovered water tanks and discarded objects, such as plastic cups and bottles, can be breeding grounds for these mosquitoes. Symptoms of dengue include mild to high fever, severe muscle pain, rashes, severe headache, and pain in the eyes. Patients exhibiting these symptoms are advised to seek immediate treatment. While there is no specific cure for the disease, early detection and proper medical care can prevent death.
