The dengue virus has spread in almost all districts of Nepal, increasing the risk of getting infected by it day by day. With thousands of cases detected and people dying in hospitals, the dengue virus has become the main focus of the country’s health system.
The highest number of cases have been reported in Kathmandu valley itself. With the surge in patients, there is a growing demand for blood donation. “The dengue virus spreads every two to three years in Nepal. Although the spread of the dengue virus is seasonal, rapid urbanization is a major cause of the spread of dengue. The unplanned
urbanization with numerous construction sites provides favorable breeding sites for the dengue causing mosquitoes to breed rapidly,” says Senior Health Administrator at the Ministry of Health and Population, Doctor Guna Sharma.
The
Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) is coordinating with the provinces and local levels to control dengue infection. Recently a high-level meeting was held at the office of the Prime Minister which discussed the prevention and control of the dengue virus. “This is an opportunity for the local governments to take the lead. Local governments can formulate new policies and rules for the prevention and control of the dengue virus. If local governments are committed the dengue virus can be controlled within two weeks of proper measures taken,” says Doctor Sharma.
“Breeding control and search and destroy campaigns is the effective measure to be taken to control the dengue virus. Community participation is essential in this. On an individual level, using
mosquito repellent creams should help in saving oneself from the virus,” he adds.
