KATHMANDU: In Sudurpaschim Province, dengue infections transmitted through mosquito bites are increasing, particularly in hilly districts where such diseases were traditionally less common. Hemraj Joshi, the vector control officer at Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate, noted a recent uptick in dengue cases and mosquito populations in these elevated areas. This surge marks a departure from the historical prevalence of diseases like malaria and dengue, which were typically confined to Terai districts.

Since January, Sudurpaschim Province has reported 140 cases of dengue, with Doti district recording the highest concentration of 47 cases. Other districts affected include Achham with 26 cases, Kanchanpur with 24, Bajura with 15, Darchula with 10, Kailali with nine, Bajhang with four, Dadeldhura with three, and Baitadi with two. Joshi highlighted the heightened infection risks in Terai regions with the onset of rain, further escalating after the weather cools post-rainfall.

Some of the measures undertaken by the Sudurpaschim Province government to contain the outbreak comprises provision of kits and medications, training of healthcare professionals and creating specific wards and beds for Dengue patients in district hospitals. Furthermore, there are specific measures being undertaken by local bodies like mass awareness campaigns of vaccination, or the elimination of breeding sites for mosquitoes aiming at reducing incidences of the disease.