Kathmandu Metropolitan urges dengue prevention measures

KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has advised citizens to take precautionary measures against dengue fever infection.

With temperatures on the rise and the monsoon season approaching, the local government has cautioned residents about the heightened risk of dengue.

According to the advisory, the proliferation of mosquito larvae is expected to increase with the onset of rainfall, further amplifying the risk of infection.

Sajina Maharjan, the acting chief of the Kathmandu Metropolis health department, said though there have been no reported cases of dengue in the city thus far, the local government is concerned regarding its potential outbreak during rains.

Regular cleaning is being carried out at the ward level to mitigate the risk, Maharjan added.

In preparation for any potential outbreaks, the local government has ensured the availability of essential supplies such as cetamol and Jeevan Jal for those affected by dengue.

The supplies will be coordinated through the health promotion centers at the ward level.

Moreover, teams comprising center employees, volunteers, and sanitation workers are busy in finding areas with accumulated water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and cleaning them.

The local government also planned to undertake bio-larvicide spraying activities if deemed necessary to combat the spread of dengue infection.

Symptoms and Prevention Measures by Health Officials

As cases of dengue fever surge, health authorities highlight key symptoms and prevention strategies to combat the spread of the disease.

After contracting dengue, patients commonly experience fever, red eyes, and muscle aches, along with fatigue and other flu-like symptoms.

Additional indicators include headache, joint pain, and a rash on the body. Health officials emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or if bleeding occurs.

A local health expert, warns that mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes species, are more active during mornings and evenings, increasing the risk of transmission during these times. He urges heightened vigilance during these periods.

To prevent dengue, individuals are advised to eliminate standing water around homes, workplaces, and public areas.

Measures such as covering water containers, using mosquito nets on windows, and wearing long-sleeved clothing are recommended.

Furthermore, proper disposal of potential mosquito breeding sites like bottles, tires, and plastic containers is crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.

Health officials stress the importance of community-wide efforts in implementing these preventive measures to effectively combat the spread of dengue fever.