Dengue Amidst Winter Chill: Nepal Reports 291 Cases in December

Despite the decline in temperatures, the dengue virus continues to spread throughout the nation. The Epidemiology and Disease Control division, responsible for addressing disease outbreaks in the country, reported that 291 individuals from various districts, including Kathmandu, were affected in December so far. Dr. Gokarna Dahal, head of the Vector Control Section at the division, revealed that 27 cases of dengue infections have been documented in Kathmandu so far this month.

Dahal stated that while the dissemination of dengue has slowed due to reduced temperatures, it has not ceased entirely. A majority of infections are arising from Tanahun, Jhapa, Kaski, and other districts. Last year, 88 individuals died and over 54,000 were infected by the virus, which was present in all 77 districts. Hospitals in Kathmandu Valley struggled to accommodate dengue patients and pharmacies experienced a shortage of paracetamol, the most commonly used fever treatment.

In 2019, dengue claimed at least six lives, and more than 16,000 people were hospitalized across the country. The virus spread to 68 districts at that time. Public health experts suspect that health authorities might be underreporting dengue-related fatalities as several districts report higher numbers of casualties than official statistics indicate.

Experts believe that the actual number of infected individuals could be significantly higher than reported due to the government's ineffective case reporting system and over 80% of asymptomatic cases. Many dengue-infected persons exhibit mild symptoms and do not require treatment or can recover with paracetamol at home.

Epidemiologists and virologists have identified dengue as a significant public health issue in Nepal recently. Previous assumptions about the virus's prevalence have become outdated as it has persisted during winter months and spread even into mountainous districts.

Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, head of the Clinical Research Unit at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, noted that while mountainous districts were once thought to be at lower risk, they have reported virus outbreaks. Contrary to the assumption that outbreaks predominantly occur in the post-monsoon season, hospitals continue to see a steady influx of dengue patients, indicating that the deadly illness has been endemic in Nepal for some time.

The primary concern among experts is the authorities' delayed response to containing the virus spread only after a significant outbreak. They argue that curbing infection will be difficult when temperatures rise and rainfall increases. Ministry of Health and Population officials acknowledge the need for long-term efforts to control the virus's dissemination.

Dahal mentions their development of a comprehensive action plan to combat dengue and their intent to hold orientation programs for local bodies on preventive measures to minimize outbreak risks.

Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes breed in clean water and are active during daylight hours. Uncovered water tanks and discarded objects like plastic cups and bottles can become breeding grounds for these mosquitoes. Dengue symptoms include mild to high fever, severe muscle pain, rashes, intense headaches, and eye pain. Doctors advise patients with these symptoms to seek immediate treatment. Although no specific cure exists for dengue, early detection combined with appropriate medical care can prevent fatalities.

A United Nations report titled 'Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability' reveals that at least six primary vector-borne diseases have recently emerged in Nepal as endemic, with climate change being a leading factor. The report also presents evidence of climate change extending the elevational distribution of Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of viruses above 2,000 meters in Nepal.