Nepal sees surge in dengue cases: Over 300 recorded in last three months

KATHMANDU, April 3: Nepal has witnessed a concerning increase in dengue cases, with over 300 cases reported in the past three months alone.

Typically, dengue cases in Nepal rise in May/June, but this year the disease has been on the rise since January/February. The 300 cases were identified across 115 local units in 45 districts, with 50 cases in the Kathmandu Valley.

Dengue is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus species. There is no specific treatment for dengue, and early detection and access to medical care are critical to reducing severe cases' fatality rates.

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pains, vomiting, and rash, with severe cases potentially leading to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. Doctors must watch for warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, and blood in vomit or stool.

Supportive care, such as pain relief, is given to control the symptoms, with acetaminophen or paracetamol recommended instead of NSAIDs. Preventing mosquito breeding and personal protection from mosquito bites are the main methods to combat dengue transmission. Researchers are working to develop innovative strategies to interrupt transmission of dengue, while WHO encourages locally adapted vector control interventions.