KATHMANDU: A total of 1,192 people have been infected with dengue in the last four months.

However, many of the cases could have gone unrecorded and unreported to the Ministry of Health and Population.

The statistic does not include those without symptoms and going to private health facilities for treatment, he said, estimating a higher number of cases in reality than the statistic.

Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Director Dr Rudra Marasini cautioned all towards increasing cases of dengue and the likelihood of it becoming an epidemic at any time.

Dipendra Raman Singh, Director General of the Department of Health Services, stated that the Ministry was working with coordinated efforts with the three-tier government for the prevention and cure of dengue.

He suggested destroying the possible places where the dengue-transmitting mosquitoes could lay eggs, including tyres, utensils, or any containers.

The mosquito-borne viral infection is transmitted to humans from mosquitoes of the Aedes species.

Dengue was first reported in the country in 2004.

Last year, 54,784 cases of dengue were reported in the country with 88 fatalities.

A majority of the dengue cases (77 per cent) were reported from Bagmati Province.

High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea and rash among others are the symptoms of dengue, said senior consultant Dr Bimal Chalise. Dr Chalise suggested admitting the patients with severe dengue infection in healthcare facilities at the earliest.