Dengue kills one in Jhapa

By Our Correspondents,Damak/Bardiya July 6: A girl has died from dengue in Jhapa, the first such death in the district this year, while cases of dengue, kala-azar, and scrub typhus are rising in Bardiya as the monsoon season increases the risk of disease spread.

The District Health Office, Jhapa confirmed that one person died of dengue infection in the district. 

Survira Rai, daughter of Suman Rai from Shivasatakshi Municipality, died on Friday due to dengue, said Yubnath Baral, epidemic focal person at the Jhapa Health Office.

This is the first dengue-related death reported in Jhapa this year. The girl was taken to B and C Hospital in Birtamode immediately for treatment after she experienced respiratory problems.

Baral informed that Survira died at 8:30 on Friday morning. 

Dengue fever cases are on the rise across the district, as the monsoon season sets in. According to the Jhapa Health Office, 55 cases of dengue infection have been reported in Jhapa since Baisakh.

Meanwhile, cases of dengue fever, kala-azar, and scrub typhus are increasing in Bardiya, the District Health Office informed. 

During the last fiscal year, four cases of kala-azar were reported in Bardiya, but this fiscal year, six cases have already been identified.

The increase in cases of dengue, kala-azar, and scrub typhus in Bardiya is attributed to people returning from various cities in India for work, often carrying such diseases back with them. 

Since dengue is spread through mosquito bites and kala-azar through sandfly bites, the Health Office Bardiya has urged the public to remain vigilant.

Bishnu Vaishya, Malaria Inspector at the Health Office, informed that the surge in dengue cases is largely due to Nepalis returning from India with the infection.

Dengue cases tend to rise especially during the monsoon season. During the months of Asar, Shrawan, and Bhadra, mosquito bites can cause dengue infection. 

The Health Office Bardiya also informed that when water is allowed to stagnate around homes and courtyards, it offers breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which increases the risk of disease transmission.

Dr. Bishwanath Shah, a pediatrician at Bardiya Hospital, dengue infection is more common among young children than adults.

Janaknath Yogi, Chief of the Khairapur Health Post, mentioned that dengue cases have been increasing this year compared to previous years. He asked everyone to remain alert.

As the number of patients with dengue, kala-azar, scrub typhus, and malaria tends to rise significantly during the rainy season, the Bardiya Health Office has urged everyone to stay alert.