1,208 dengue, 451 scrub typhus cases reported in Gorkha

By Our Correspondent,Sulikot, Oct, 28: A total of 1,208 cases of dengue infection were reported over three months and nine days in Gorkha. 

Since dengue began spreading rapidly from mid-July to mid-August, infections have increased significantly, reaching 1,208 cases by October 25, as reported by Yamnath Sharma, Chief of the District Health Office, Gorkha.

According to Sharma, 994 cases of dengue were reported in Gorkha Municipality, 69 in Palungtar Municipality, 78 in Aarughat Rural Municipality, nine in Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality, 12 in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, 11 in Ajeerikot Rural Municipality, five in Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality, 28 in Gandaki Rural Municipality and two in Chumanubri Rural Municipality.

According to Narayan Babu Aryal, epidemiology focal person at the Gorkha District Health Office, the district also reported 451 cases of scrub typhus infection during the same period. 

Aarughat Rural Municipality has reported 171 cases of scrub typhus, Gorkha Municipality reported 198, Palungtar Municipality 57 cases, Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality 11, Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality reported three cases. 

Similarly, eight cases of scrub typhus were reported in Siran Chowk Rural Municipality and 11 cases in Gandaki Rural Municipality. 

Dengue spreads through bites from female Aedes mosquitoes, which generally bite in the morning and evening. Although it usually appears during the monsoon, dengue cases have remained high this year.

The mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water collected in plastic, tin cans, drums, old tyres, flower pots, coolers, open water tanks and similar places. If these breeding grounds are not cleaned regularly, the risk of infection increases.

Dengue symptoms include severe eye and headache pain, rashes on the body, muscle aches, intense headaches, bleeding, body pain and fever. 

The District Health Office has urged people to take measures to avoid mosquito bites to prevent dengue infection.

With the rise in dengue cases in Gorkha, the Health Office, in coordination with all 11 local levels, has carried out a search and destroy campaign in 94 wards to eliminate mosquito larvae. 

However, despite a decrease in cases in other areas, Gorkha Municipality continues to report the highest number of dengue patients, according to Chief Sharma.

Even after awareness programmes conducted by the Health Office and Gorkha Municipality, dengue cases have not declined. Furthermore, two people within Gorkha Municipality have died due to dengue, as confirmed by the District Health Office.