Sudurpaschim Province reports over 1,600 dengue cases since 2022

The Sudurpaschim Province has as of today reported over 1,600 cases of dengue fever since 2022.

As updated by the Health Directorate, Sudurpaschim Province, dengue has been confirmed on 1,614 individuals in the province since 2022. Since 2023, it has so far confirmed on 325 with no report of death, Directorate’s vector-borne disease focal person Hemraj Joshi said.

Among the diagnosed cases, Darchula reports the highest 119 followed by 57 in Kanchanpur, 31 in Achham, 24 in Kailali, six in Bajhang, five in Baitadi, five in Doti, four in Bajura and two in Dadeldhura.

In 2022, the disease resulted in three fatalities due to mosquito bites. Dengue infection tends to be more prevalent during the summer and rainy seasons, with the risk continuing until mid-October.

With the cases soaring in the province, local levels here launched a mosquito ‘larva search and destroy campaign’.

The disease which was previously prevailing in Terai districts has now spread to hilly areas as well. Chief of Health Office, Baitadi, Yogesh Prasad Bhatta, said dengue spread to hills as well as mosquitoes start climbing uphill due to rising temperature. Infected individuals in hilly districts also require hospitalisation.

Common symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, pain in the eyeballs, back pain, joint aches, and leg pain. In serious cases, patients may experience fatigue, bleeding, vomiting, breathing difficulties, intense stomach pain, and swelling in the stomach and legs, the Directorate said.