Nepal Faces Surge in Dengue Cases Amid Heavy Monsoon Rains
After heavy rainfall in Nepal due to the monsoon season, the country is witnessing a surge in dengue cases. Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH), the oldest government-run infectious disease treatment facility in Nepal, is recording a significant increase in dengue patients.
Hospital Reports
Bhaleshwor Yadav, In-charge of the Emergency ward at STIDH, stated, “On a daily basis, an average of 20 people come to the hospital… they are the dengue-infected ones. Some days, we have about 35 patients suffering from fever, it goes up to 40 as well. Out of them, 20 are dengue positive patients which ranges from 10 to 20 patients a day on daily basis.”
Long lines for Out Patient Department (OPD) tickets and dengue tests have become a common scene at the hospital. Patients wait in line to get checked at the fever clinic before running tests to confirm their condition.
Dengue Statistics
Since January, Nepal has recorded 11,545 confirmed cases of dengue, with six deaths. Gandaki province has the highest number of infections, with 5,482 confirmed cases. Kaski and Tanahun districts in Gandaki are the worst hit. Bagmati Province, which includes the capital Kathmandu, has recorded 3,178 cases.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under the Ministry of Health has labeled Kaski, Tanahun, Kathmandu, Parbat, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Lalitpur districts as red zones.
Health Risks
Dengue haemorrhagic fever can cause internal bleeding and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Doctors warn that dengue shock syndrome is a dangerous complication associated with high mortality. The female Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays eggs in areas that increase the chances of infection.
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, pain behind the eyes, rashes, unconsciousness, joint and body aches, and vomiting. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, dengue haemorrhagic fever can result in severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, and potentially death.
Doubts Revealed
Nepal -: Nepal is a country located in South Asia, mainly in the Himalayas. It is known for its beautiful mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
Dengue -: Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. It can make people very sick with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash.
Monsoon -: Monsoon refers to the seasonal heavy rains that occur in South Asia, including India and Nepal. These rains are important for farming but can also cause flooding and other problems.
Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital -: This is a hospital in Nepal that specializes in treating diseases that are spread by insects or other animals, like dengue.
Gandaki province -: Gandaki province is one of the seven provinces in Nepal. It is located in the central part of the country and has been badly affected by dengue.
Ministry of Health -: The Ministry of Health is a part of the government in Nepal that is responsible for public health and medical services. They help to control diseases and keep people healthy.
Red zones -: Red zones are areas that are considered very dangerous because of a high number of dengue cases. Extra care and attention are needed in these areas to prevent the disease from spreading.
Internal bleeding -: Internal bleeding means bleeding inside the body, which can be very dangerous. It can happen in severe cases of dengue and needs immediate medical attention.
Shock -: Shock is a serious medical condition where the body is not getting enough blood flow. It can happen in severe dengue cases and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.