Most mountainous districts including Humla report dengue cases this year

Nepal is grappling with an alarming spread of dengue virus, with infections reported in a staggering 66 districts, a number that includes previously unaffected mountainous regions like Humla. This widespread presence of the disease, occurring even before the onset of the monsoon, is a serious cause for concern among health experts and demands immediate attention.

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So far this year, dengue infections have been reported from 66 districts, including from Humla and some other districts of Karnali Province.

Dr. Gokarna Dahal of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has alerted health agencies, highlighting the unusual timing of these infections. Dengue, already endemic in Nepal, typically sees its peak during warmer, wetter months. Its prevalence now suggests a heightened risk of transmission and underscores the need for robust preventative strategies. The fact that cases are appearing in diverse geographical areas, including high-altitude districts, points to the adaptability and pervasive nature of the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the virus.

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We have alerted concerned health agencies of respective districts about the risk of further spread of the viral disease.

Experts like Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun are calling this a 'wake-up call,' emphasizing that dengue is often treated too lightly in Nepal. The underreporting of cases, with many infected individuals remaining asymptomatic or treating themselves at home, means the true scale of the problem might be significantly larger than official figures suggest. A concerted public awareness campaign and proactive measures from health authorities are crucial to curb the spread of this neglected tropical disease before it escalates further.

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According to the World Health Organisation, the same vectors also transmit chikungunya, yellow fever, and the Zika virus.