KATHMANDU: The number of deaths due to dengue infection has reached 29 in the country.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, dengue has spread in 76 districts and 22,988 people have contracted dengue so far.

The first dengue patient was identified first in Nepal in 2004. Since then, dengue has been increasing every year and has morphed as an epidemic this year.

According to the ministry, the highest cases of dengue  — 17,731 – has been recorded in Bagmati Province followed by 2,821 cases in Lumbini, 777 in Sudurpaschim, 591 in Province 1, 515 in Gandaki, 323 in Madhesh and 230 in Karnali Province.

According to the ministry, a search and destroy campaign has been launched in Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and other districts having the highest number of infections.