Four dead from dengue & 3 from new Japanese encephalitis virus

KATHMANDU: Four people have lost their lives in Nepal this year due to dengue, according to Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel. The information was shared during a committee meeting at Singha Durbar on Thursday.

Minister Paudel reported that dengue infection has affected 6,831 individuals across 75 districts.

Efforts to control the spread of dengue are ongoing, with coordination among governments at all levels.

Additionally, diarrhea and dysentery have caused four deaths in Ward No. 3 of Nainapur Rural Municipality in Banke District, three of which were from the same family.

The cause of these deaths is under investigation.

Minister Paudel also mentioned that Japanese Encephalitis has emerged as a new epidemic in Nepal, with three deaths reported in Chitwan and Kailali.

The number of suspected cases of Japanese Encephalitis stands at 627, with 28 confirmed cases.

He noted that plans are underway to expand cancer treatment services across all seven states. Work has begun to upgrade Singha Durbar Ayurveda Hospital to produce 20 types of essential Ayurvedic medicines.

Preparations are also in progress to establish a state-of-the-art burn treatment ward at Bir Hospital, with the Ministry of Health recommending a budget of 100,000 for burn care.

In response to the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Roshan Pokhrel highlighted that a regular vaccination program is in place.

He mentioned that vaccinations are not administered during outbreaks, but routine vaccinations are provided for children under five. The disease, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, has also been associated with pig, boar, and poultry farming.

Dr. Pokhrel expressed concerns about difficulties in fulfilling the state’s responsibilities due to incomplete implementation of the programs.

He stressed the need for the government to meet its obligations to effectively address these health challenges.