Dharan: In response to the dengue outbreak in Dharan sub-metropolis of Sunsari district, all educational institutions have been temporarily closed to facilitate an effective campaign against the disease. The decision was taken during an executive committee meeting held on Tuesday, with the aim of mobilizing collective efforts for prevention and control of the contagion.

Dharan sub-metropolis mayor, Harka Raj Sampang, stated that the closure of schools was necessary to focus on running a dengue control campaign, prioritizing the health and safety of students and teachers. The sub-metropolis has encouraged teachers and students to actively participate in the campaign during the closure period.

The meeting also called upon social organizations, Tole development organizations, local communities, and the general public to join the campaign in their respective wards. Chief Administrative Officer of Dharan sub-metropolis, Matrika Bhattarai, explained that the temporary closure of schools was intended to enable the effective search and destruction of mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti), which is responsible for transmitting dengue.

The decision to widely mobilize the general public was taken in recognition of the fact that controlling the dengue outbreak would require eliminating the larvae and eggs of the disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Since the first week of June, dengue has claimed the lives of eight people, including a young girl, in Dharan.

The rising number of dengue cases has put a strain on the healthcare facilities, with dengue-infected patients finding it difficult to secure beds in both private clinics and the BP Koirala Institute for Health Sciences. According to Umesh Mehata, Chief of the sub-metropolis health section, out of 4,218 people examined, 2,495 have tested positive for dengue, and the number of cases is continuing to increase.

The closure of schools and the community-wide efforts in the dengue control campaign are vital steps to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. Public health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to address the dengue epidemic effectively.