Kathmandu: In recent weeks, Nepal has witnessed a significant rise in Dengue infections, posing a serious public health concern. As rainfall continues unabated, cases of Dengue infection have surged, with 10 districts reporting a substantial increase in infected individuals.

Rudra Prasad Marasini, Director at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, revealed that the infection rate has skyrocketed in the past week. This alarming trend has been attributed to the insufficient attention given to sanitation, primarily due to continuous rainfall, creating ideal breeding conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The rise in Dengue cases is directly linked to the surge in mosquito larvae, fueled by the abundance of rainwater. Over the course of just one week, the number of Dengue patients has surpassed 1,000, with a total of 2,930 reported cases as of July 17. This staggering figure marks a significant increase compared to the 1,337 cases reported until July 13.

Among the provinces, Koshi Province has been severely impacted, topping the list with 1,746 cases. Bagmati Province follows with 468 cases, Sudurpaschim Province with 279 cases, Gandaki Province with 269 cases, Lumbini Province with 134 cases, Karnali Province with 18 cases, and Madesh Province with 16 cases.

The situation is especially alarming in the 10 worst-hit districts, where a staggering 82 percent of all infections have been reported. Sunsari district bears the brunt of the outbreak, with a record-high of 1,571 Dengue cases. Other severely affected districts include Dhading with 256 cases, Darchula with 188 cases, Kaski with 149 cases, Sankhusabha with 58 cases, Kathmandu with 46 cases, Kanchanpur with 39 cases, Bhaktapur with 36 cases, Myagdi with 35 cases, and Jhapa with 32 cases.

It is essential for authorities to take immediate and effective measures to curb the spread of Dengue infection. Health officials and local governments are urged to intensify efforts in promoting proper sanitation practices, clearing stagnant water, and conducting mosquito control measures to mitigate the mosquito population.

Dengue, which was first detected in Nepal in 2004, has since become a recurring public health issue during monsoon seasons. Timely and coordinated actions are vital to preventing further escalation of the outbreak and safeguarding the well-being of the affected communities. Public awareness campaigns about Dengue prevention should also be prioritized to educate citizens about the measures they can take to protect themselves and their families from this potentially life-threatening disease.