KATHMANDU: The National Public Health Laboratory has also started PCR testing service for Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue viruses from today. Earlier, the national lab had been carrying out a PCR test of COVID-19.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, Dr. Runa Jha, the director of the laboratory, informed that the lab has started the PCR test of three viruses from today.

Aedes aegypti and aedes Albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit dengue virus, are now found in all districts of the country. Experts say the mosquito could also transmit the Zika virus and chikungunya. Although dengue and chikungunya have been reported in Nepal so far, the zika virus has not been detected.

The government and medics have urged the public to be alert against the possibility of outbreak of those viruses.