Dengue Infection Risk Remains High in Nepal's Sudurpashchim Province

Kailali. The risk of dengue infection remains challenging in the Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal. According to the latest data from the Provincial Health Directorate, the number of people infected with dengue across the province has reached 7,683 over the past three fiscal years. Hemraj Joshi, the vector-borne disease officer at the Health Directorate, stated that although there has been some fluctuation in the infection graph compared to previous years, the risk has not yet subsided.

According to the statistics, 3,349 cases of dengue infection were confirmed in Sudurpashchim in the fiscal year 2080/81. While this number slightly decreased to 3,316 in the fiscal year 2081/82, the risk persisted. So far in the current fiscal year, 1,018 people in the province have been affected by dengue. Officer Joshi noted that the impact is particularly visible in the Terai districts.

The Directorate reports that Kailali and Kanchanpur districts are the most affected by dengue in the province. Recently, due to climate change and increasing urbanization, dengue patients are being found not only in the Terai but also in the hilly districts. Health workers suggest that since this disease is transmitted by the bite of the 'Aedes aegypti' mosquito, personal vigilance and awareness are the main methods for its control.

To control dengue, the provincial government and local levels have continued the 'Search and Destroy Larvae' campaign. However, the infection has not been fully controlled due to a lack of effort from citizens in preventing water stagnation around their homes and adopting personal protective measures. The Directorate has urged everyone to immediately visit the nearest health facility for testing if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and headache appear.