Dengue infection rising in Surkhet

Surkhet –  The Capital of Karnali Province, is seeing a steady rise in dengue infections.
Last year, Surkhet recorded 1,833 dengue cases, including four deaths, according to the District Public Health Service Office in Surkhet.

During the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, the majority of infections (1,416 cases) were reported from Birendranagar Municipality. Other areas recorded cases as follows: Gurvakot Municipality (143), Panchapuri Municipality (135), Lekbesi Municipality (38), Bheriganga Municipality (29), Barahatal Rural Municipality (17), Chaukune Rural Municipality (11), Chingad Rural Municipality (9), and the lowest in Simta Rural Municipality with just six cases.

Udaya B.C., the dengue disease focal person at the Surkhet Public Health Service Office, confirmed four deaths.

Comparatively, dengue cases rose from 639 in FY 2077/78 to 1,322 in FY 2078/79, then to 1,484 in FY 2079/80, before dropping to 571 in FY 2080/81.

The increase in reported dengue cases aligns with expanded testing. As cases climbed, the government designated the month of Saun (mid-July to mid‑August) as Dengue Awareness Month, promoting dengue prevention and control measures.

Since there is no vaccine or specific medication for dengue, the Public Health Service Office emphasizes personal and community-level hygiene as key prevention strategies. These include eliminating stagnant water, destroying mosquito larvae, and maintaining cleanliness in and around homes.

With increased rainfall and water stagnation during the monsoon, especially from Saun (mid-July) through Ashoj (mid-October), the risk of infection significantly increases. Consistent efforts in preventing water pooling and larvae breeding during this period can greatly reduce dengue transmission.