Dengue infection risk heightens in Kathmandu: local government

Kathmandu, July 17: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged its residents to take preventive measures against dengue amidst its increased risk due to continuous rains.     

There has been almost uninterrupted rainfall for the past one month, heightening the risk of dengue transmission caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, according to Rhishi Bhusal, Resource Person for the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention at the KMC Office.     

He said that arrangements are in place for the distribution of cetamol, and jeevan jal (oral rehydration salts), which are the generic medicine and supplement used for dengue infection.     

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted above-average rainfall during this monsoon season, and the Metropolis has stated that, in light of this forecast, the risk of dengue infection has further heightened.     

Health workers at the Urban Health Promotion Center clinic, female community health volunteers, and sanitation workers are also engaged in cleaning areas and neighborhoods where water has accumulated, it has been said.     

Likewise, awareness programmes on dengue have been implemented in community schools across all 32 wards of the Metropolis, targeting students from grades 8 to 10.(RSS)