Dengue in Nepal

Dengue fever outbreak in Nepal

Unprecedented Dengue fever outbreak in Nepal. According to data provided by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, 2 people have died of dengue fever in Kathmandu district, while Sindhupalchowk, Sunsari, Chitwan, and Doti districts have reported each (6). 60 patients with dengue virus have been confirmed in Kathmandu.

So far, 6 people already died and 8000 + are hospitalized. Minister of Agriculture, and Dr. Sanduk Ruit  as well.  The outbreak has since spread to 56 districts out of 77 apart the country.

What is dengue?

Severe dengue (previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever) was first recognized in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection. It is fast emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world.

Currently, Nepal is the latest country to endure Dengue. Medical experts have warned that the dengue is spreading at an alarming rate in the most densely populated areas unless preventive measures are taken in time.

Undoubtedly, dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the female Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Doctors have suggested preventive measures against dengue both at the government level and household level also. Besides, government medical teams have carried out larva destruction measures in high risk areas.

Following, the opposition party (Nepali Congress) have accused the government of being too slow to react to the current outbreak. Further, they have demanded Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to declare a national health emergency.

Finally, let’s sum-up:

Dengue Fever

• After Malaria, commonest cause of fever in travelers in the world
• Incubation period 4- 7 days (range 3 to 14 days)
• Symptoms- High Fever, headaches (pain behind the eyes), body aches, fatigue
• Low WBC count

Dengue with warning signs

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Persistent vomiting
• Mucous bleeding
• Restlessness

Solution

• Cover up so that you don’t get bitten by Mosquitoes
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Wear shoes with socks
• Apply insect repellent on exposed area of skins
• Keep your surroundings clean
• Eliminate standing water
• If you get fever during a Dengue outbreak, avoid using Aspirin and Ibuprofen type drugs, use paracetamol instead
• Consult with nearest chemist

Shree Paudel

Shree is based in Butwal, Nepal. Shree holds a degree in M.Sc. (IT)  and began working at New Horizons, Nepal Center in 2007-2012. After that Shree contributes to various reputed firms in Kathmandu with his  years’ of experiences in Teaching, IT administration, Management and Consulting Services especially in Payment/Software industries (IT infrastructures and Security solution). Check about page for details!

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