KATHMANDU: With changing weather conditions across Nepal, health authorities have begun to notice a rise in patients exhibiting symptoms of Covid and other seasonal infections such as cold, cough, fever, and flu.
According to Dr. Chandra Bhatt, Director of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), although the number of Covid cases at Nepal’s border points has recently declined, isolated infections continue to emerge—especially among those entering from India.
In the far-western border district of Kanchanpur, several returnees from India have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks.
As of now, Nepal has recorded 160 active Covid infections. Within the past week alone, 30 new cases have been reported, including five in the last 24 hours.
The majority of current infections have been concentrated in Bagmati Province, which accounts for 129 cases. Sudurpaschim Province has recorded 17 cases, Madhesh Province has reported five, and Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces each have three cases.
Dr. Bhatt confirmed that antigen testing kits are being deployed in the affected areas, particularly at border checkpoints.
So far, 640 antigen test kits have been supplied to various points, and the government has initiated procurement procedures to acquire more in anticipation of a potential uptick in cases.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yuwanidhi Basyal, Director of Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, said the hospital has been treating sporadic COVID-19 patients in recent days.
Dr. Anup Bastola, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, emphasized that individuals who remain unvaccinated against Covid, especially senior citizens and those with chronic conditions, are still at heightened risk of severe illness.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to remain cautious, especially amid rising seasonal infections and the threat of Covid resurgence in vulnerable communities.
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