Pre-emptive measures urged as dengue cases escalate

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 24: Health authorities have highlighted the need for pre-emptive measures against dengue as the cases are increasing at an alarming rate. And worryingly, this is happening ahead of the peak season. 

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 17,409 cases of dengue have been reported in 75 of the 77 districts of the country as of August 22. Only Mugu and Humla districts have reported no cases until now.

The update on dengue, published by the EDCD on Wednesday, showed that 35 districts have reported less than 20 cases each since January 2023.

“Only four districts – Sunsari (9,159 cases), Morang (1,945), Dhading (1,890) and Jhapa (946) – have reported over 500 cases. Koshi Province alone shares 74 per cent of the national burden of dengue,” read the update.

Moreover, Sunsari district has contributed to 52.6 per cent of the national dengue burden, making it the most-affected district in the country.

“No scientific reason has been identified behind the unprecedented rise of dengue cases in Sunsari. However, it is speculated that water accumulation provided a more favourable habitat for dengue-transmitting mosquitoes in the district,” said Dr. Rudra Prasad Marasini, Director at the EDCD.

“Most dengue patients recover within one to two weeks. However, there are many who develop severe dengue and need medical care,” he added.

The EDCD’s situation report on dengue shows that 13 deaths from dengue have been confirmed this year until August 22. 

“The individuals who died of dengue were suffering from other serious diseases,” said Dr. Marasini.

Despite dengue being curable and having a very low mortality rate, Dr. Marasini stressed that dengue prevention needed to be prioritised.

“Local governments should conduct ‘search and destroy’ campaigns to find and destroy larvae of dengue-transmitting mosquitoes. The public should also not allow water to accumulate in their surroundings,” Dr. Marasini added.

Health experts argued that a lack of preventive measures could lead to a more serious situation of dengue in the country this year.

The peak season for dengue in Nepal is September. 

Nepal recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the country’s history in 2022 with 54,784 cases. “Last year, 720, 3,708, 27,529 and 17,889 cases of dengue were reported in the months of July, August, September and October respectively,” read a report of the EDCD.

In 2023 so far, Nepal has already reported 6,069 and 9,566 cases in the months of July and August respectively. 

“Nepal reported 17,992 cases throughout 2019. The country reported only 530 and 540 cases of dengue in 2020 and 2021. Before the peak season, 17,409 cases have already been recorded this year so far. We need to prioritise preventive measures,” said Dr. Marasini. 

According to the EDCD, they were coordinating with the district and local-level health authorities regarding the steps to be taken to control dengue.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology also sent a letter to the seven provinces, 753 local levels and education development and coordination units in all 77 districts on Tuesday with information materials on dengue and conjunctivitis.

Awareness materials on dengue can be accessed on www.tinyurl.com/DengueIEC123, while that on conjunctivitis can be accessed on www.tinyurl.com/EyediseaseIEC.

“Local governments have been taking measures to search and destroy larvae of dengue-transmitting mosquitoes. These steps should continue unhindered until the peak season ends,” Dr. Marasini told The Rising Nepal.