EDCD urges precaution against dengue

Kathmandu, May 9: The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has urged for adopting precaution against dengue in view of the increased risk of its spread with the start of the rainy season.

Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal, Head of the EDCD's Vector-borne Disease Control Section, said there is the risk of outbreak of dengue due to the rainfall that occurred few days back. "The dengue-transmitting mosquitoes lay eggs and breed in poodles and ditches where rainwater collects. It takes about 15-20 days for the mosquitoes to breed, which increases the risk of dengue outbreak by that time," Dahal said. 

He said the EDCD has already written to the local governments of the 35 local levels that reported highest dengue cases last year, urging them to take measures for the prevention and control of dengue.

According to him, 968 dengue cases have been reported since January 1 till date in the country. Dengue had spread in 76 out of 77 districts in 2024. Fifteen people had died of the disease while 41,865 people were infected. (RSS)