Dengue infection has been rapidly increasing in Nepal with 168 additional cases being reported within three days. As per the latest report by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), 1,825 cases of dengue have been confirmed from 1st Jan, 2024 – 22nd July, 2024. This number was at 1,657 cases on 19th July and 1,130 cases on 9th June respectively. Similarly, the infection has been recorded in 73 districts. There have been no dengue related deaths so far.

According to the latest data from the EDCD, the highest number of dengue-infected individuals have been found in Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu has recorded 209 infections, accounting for 11.5% of the total cases of dengue in Nepal. Similarly Jhapa has recorded 129 cases, sharing 7.1% of the national burden. There have been confirmation of dengue infection in all districts of Nepal with the exception of Mustang, Humla, Jumla and Dolpa.

Similarly, 32.5 percent of the total number of infected individuals, i.e., 593 people, have been infected in Bagmati province. Additionally, 461 people in Koshi province, 43 in Madhesh province, 294 in Gandaki province, 201 in Lumbini province, 23 in Karnali province, and 210 in Sudurpaschim province have been confirmed to have dengue infection, according to the EDCD.

According to the division’s statistics, in January 2024, 245 people were infected with dengue. Similarly, there were 183 cases in February, 229 in March, 225 in April, 265 in May, 359 in June, and 339 confirmed cases as of July 22.

The director of the department, Dr. Yadu Chandra Ghimire, said that this data only accounts for those who visit the hospital with suspected dengue. “It is not possible to go into the community and check every person. Therefore, there may be more people infected with dengue,” Director Ghimire said during a conversation with Aawaaj News.

He further stated, “The current time is when the intensity of dengue infection is observed. However, compared to other years, the number of cases is lower this year. But we must continue taking measures”.

Dengue was first confirmed in Nepal in 2004. A large number of dengue patients were also found in 2010 and 2017. In 2019, dengue took the form of an epidemic in Nepal with 17,992 confirmed cases of dengue. After a respite in 2020 and 2021 with 530 and 540 cases, 2022 and 2023 saw more than 50,000 infections both years.