Kathmandu: The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has issued an urgent call for precautionary measures against dengue as the rainy season begins, bringing with it an increased risk of the disease’s spread. Dr. Gokarna Prasad Dahal, who heads the EDCD’s Vector-borne Disease Control Section, highlighted the potential for a dengue outbreak following recent rainfall events. He explained that the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting dengue lay their eggs in puddles and ditches where rainwater accumulates, with a breeding cycle of approximately 15-20 days, thereby heightening the risk of an outbreak.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the EDCD has communicated with local governments in the 35 areas that reported the highest number of dengue cases last year, urging them to implement preventive and control measures. Since the start of the year, 968 dengue cases have been reported nationwide. In 2024, the disease had spread to 76 out of 77 districts, resulting in 15 fatalities and infecting 41,865 individuals.