Monsoon threatens dengue surge as disease is already widespread across Nepal

Nepal faces a looming dengue crisis as the mosquito-borne disease has already infected over 900 people in 68 of the country's 77 districts, even before the official start of the monsoon season. Health officials are particularly alarmed by the high number of cases in densely populated areas like the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, Kaski, and Jhapa districts.

Dr. Gokarna Dahal, chief of the Vector Control Section at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, warned that dengue infections could surge dramatically once the monsoon rains begin. These rains create abundant breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the vectors responsible for transmitting the virus. Health workers and agencies have been alerted to the heightened risk of a large-scale outbreak.

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Cases of dengue infection could surge after the monsoon rains start. We have alerted health workers and other agencies concerned to the risk of a large-scale outbreak.

Adding to the concern, dengue is proving resilient, with cases reported year-round, including during winter months. The disease has also spread to mountain districts, challenging previous beliefs that mosquitoes could not survive in colder climates. Experts like Professor Murari Das emphasize the need for public awareness campaigns and behavioral changes, as dengue mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water found in common household items. With thousands potentially infected if major cities become hotspots, controlling the spread requires vigilant monitoring and community participation.

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The coming days will be more challenging, as rainwater provides breeding grounds for dengue-spreading mosquitoes. The time has come to launch an awareness drive against dengue and encourage people for behavioural changes.