KATHMANDU: With the onset of the monsoon, dengue infections have begun to rise across Nepal. The period between June and August is considered the most vulnerable for dengue outbreaks.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 1,255 cases of dengue were recorded from January 1 to June 8 this year, with infections confirmed in 72 districts.

Kathmandu tops the list with 132 cases, followed by Kaski (90), Sunsari (87), Chitwan (61), Palpa (51), Rupandehi (47), Kanchanpur (37), Dang (32), and Bhaktapur (30).

Dr. Gokarna Dahal, head of the Vector-Borne Disease Control Section at EDCD, said that while it may not be possible to eradicate the mosquito species that causes dengue, controlling the disease is achievable. “We can reduce infections and fatalities through collective efforts. Citizens, communities, and both governmental and non-governmental bodies must work together,” he emphasized.

He noted that this year’s early monsoon and forecasts of heavy rainfall could create more breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “We lack comprehensive data on mosquito vectors to predict whether cases will surge or stay stable, but stagnant water from heavy rains could increase mosquito development,” said Dr. Dahal.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Preventing mosquito bites is key to protection.

Health experts urge the public to wear full-body covering clothes, fill open pits, repair leaking taps or drains, turn containers upside down, regularly clean water tanks, use mosquito nets while sleeping, and tightly cover water storage vessels like drums and buckets.

Waste materials like bottles, plastic containers, and unused pots that can collect water should be disposed of properly to prevent mosquito breeding.