Dengue outbreak claims 7 lives this year

KATHMANDU: According to the Department of Health Services, 7 people have died due to dengue infection among 7,733 people in Nepal.

Dr. Rudra Marasini, Director of Health Services Department Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, informed that 7,733 people have been infected so far.

Speaking at a program held in Kathmandu on Monday, Dr. Marasini said that the number of infected people was the highest in Sunsari.

He said dengue infection was found in 71 districts. Dr. Marasini said that there are mosquitoes that transmit dengue in all districts and dengue can be transmitted at any time. Dr. Marasini informed that 7 people have died so far.

Dr. Marasini said, ‘About 54,784 cases were reported last year. Out of which 88 people have died. Our guess is that there are many cases in the community. We may not have the records of private health institutions. The first case of dengue was seen in Nepal in 2061. It has taken the form of an epidemic at different times. It became an epidemic in 2019 and 2022.

The reason why we should be alert this year is that from January 1 to August 6, seven thousand seven hundred and thirty-three cases have been reported. Most cases have been reported from Sunsari. There are also many infected in Sunsari, especially in Dharan sub-metropolitan city. More cases are seen in July. Similarly, seven people have died. All the patients have died. Not only did dengue die, there was no death due to isolated dengue. Some of the patients were kidney patients. Some were undergoing dialysis. Some of the patients had diabetes.’

Dr. Roshan Pokharel, Secretary of Health Services Department, Ministry of Health, said that the treatment of dengue patients is free in all hospitals of Nepal government. Dr. Pokharel stressed that the campaign to find and destroy larvae should be made effective for dengue prevention and control.

Secretary Dr. Pokharel said, ‘People with dengue are treated in all hospitals of the Nepal government. And, it is available for free. If dengue is suspected, a test should be done. The ministry is also coordinating for the uniformity of fees in the test. We are trying to bring uniformity in the test by coordinating with private hospitals. Some five hundred and fifty rupees, some nine hundred rupees. In some hospitals of the Nepal government, we are also doing some free tests that should be done in case of suspicion of dengue fever.’

Shukraraj Tropical and Communicable Disease Hospital chief consultant Dr. Bimal Sharma Chalise said public awareness is necessary for dengue control. He said that the larva search and destruction campaign should be made effective to prevent dengue. He said that mosquito habitats should be found and destroyed.

He said, ‘One of the four serotypes of dengue does not infect another serotype for at least 18 months to 2 years. It is seen that even Dengilage did not come to the hospital until it became serious. As only severe dengue patients came to the hospital, the number of patients may have been low. Dengue has not increased significantly.’

The first case of dengue in Nepal was seen in 2061.