KATHMANDU: A surge in patients exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus infection has been observed over the past week.

Reports indicate an increase in cases of fever and flu among the populace, according to medical professionals.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, revealed that 28 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the previous week.

All these cases were individuals who had recently traveled from neighboring India to Sudurpaschim Province.

The emergence of the new variant of Coronavirus, JN.1, first identified in India last January, has led to sporadic cases of COVID-19 in Nepal.

“Since the detection of the new variant in India, we have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases in Nepal,” Dr. Budhathoki stated.

He emphasized that individuals who have not received the Coronavirus vaccination, along with chronic patients and senior citizens, remain at risk of contracting the flu-like infection.

Urging the public to observe necessary precautions, he underscored the importance of preventive measures.

Dr. Yuwanidhi Basaula, Director at Teku-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital, noted an influx of COVID-19 patients seeking treatment at the hospital.

“With the change in weather, there has been an increase in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms,” Dr. Budhathoki affirmed, dispelling rumors suggesting the absence of COVID-19 cases in the hospital.

He disclosed that three COVID-19 patients were currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), with two others undergoing treatment in the general ward. Given the lack of ICU facilities in other hospitals, patients often turn to Teku-based Hospital for advanced care.