Heavy monsoon rains have exacerbated the dengue outbreak in several districts across Nepal, including the capital, Kathmandu. According to the Health Office Kathmandu, approximately 18 new dengue cases are reported daily. However, this number is likely an underestimation, as reports come from only 18 health facilities. Dr. Arjun Sapkota, the office’s chief, acknowledges that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher and emphasizes the need for mandatory daily reporting from private health facilities.
Dengue, a viral disease spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, has infected at least 1,432 people across 73 districts since January, with Kathmandu recording the highest number of cases. Local authorities have been alerted about the risk of a massive outbreak. Preventive measures, such as daily mandatory reporting and the “10 minutes at 10 am” initiative to destroy mosquito breeding grounds, are being reinforced. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City and other local units have already begun implementing these preventive measures.
Dengue symptoms include fever, severe muscle pain, rashes, headache, and eye pain, with early detection and medical care crucial for preventing fatalities. While many cases can be managed with paracetamol at home, the rise in cases has raised concerns about the capacity of health facilities to handle another large outbreak. Nepal has seen a significant rise in dengue infections since its first reported case in 2004, with major outbreaks in recent years, including 2022 when 88 people died and over 54,000 were infected.
The post-monsoon period is typically the peak season for dengue epidemics, but the disease has now become endemic in Nepal, with cases reported year-round. Health workers are identifying potential hotspots such as storage sites for scrap materials, discarded cups, and plastic waste. Owners of these sites have been warned of potential actions if mosquito larvae are found. Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes breed in clean water and bite during daylight, making proper water storage and disposal of waste critical in controlling the outbreak.
