Kathmandu, Jul 17: In the Far West region of Nepal, dengue infections, transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, have started to increase.

The Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate in Deepayal has reported that 161 people have been infected with dengue over the past five months. Among them, 49 people are from Doti, 27 from Kanchanpur, 34 from Achham, 12 from Kailali, 15 from Bajura, three from Baitadi, four from Bajhang, 13 from Darchula, and five from Dadeldhura.

Hemraj Joshi, a vector control officer with the directorate, stated that the risk of this disease is higher from June to October. “When it rains continuously from June to October, the risk of infection increases due to the growth and development of mosquitoes. Therefore, for prevention, a campaign to ‘search and destroy’ mosquito larvae should be carried out,” Joshi said. He emphasized that searching for possible places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and destroying their larvae will help prevent the growth and development of mosquitoes.

Last year, three people died of dengue in the state. Health workers indicate that avoiding mosquito bites is an effective way to prevent this disease, but prevention is hampered by a lack of awareness among citizens. Although patients of this disease are treated free of charge in government hospitals, failure to seek timely treatment can lead to death.

Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, body joint and muscle pain, and loss of appetite. Doctors warn that severe symptoms, such as bleeding from the nose, gums, and stomach, can lead to fainting and death.

Health workers also noted that mosquitoes can easily grow and develop larvae in water-filled open pots, bicycle or car tires, and empty drums. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid collecting water in such containers and to empty and clean them if they are filled with water.

The mosquito that transmits this disease bites only during the day. Dengue is transmitted to humans by the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with the dengue virus. Thus, doctors suggest taking necessary precautions.