JHAPA: Amid rising dengue cases in Jhapa district since mid-April, the local government has launched a ‘Search and Destroy’ campaign to eliminate mosquito larvae breeding grounds.
Health officials reported that 61 dengue infections have been detected in the district between April and June.
According to Om Khadka, coordinator of the epidemic control and prevention program under the Health Division of Birtamod Municipality, 54 cases were found in Birtamod, one in Damak Municipality, and six in Gauradaha Municipality.
He noted that many cases have been identified among patients who traveled to Birtamod for treatment from other districts, indicating a high transmission rate in the area.
Cumulatively, 1,291 dengue infections have been recorded in Jhapa since the beginning of the current fiscal year, Khadka added.
In response, Birtamod Municipality officially launched a mosquito larvae ‘Search and Destroy’ campaign on Friday, starting with an awareness orientation focused on controlling vector-borne diseases.
Acting Mayor Nagendra Sangraula inaugurated the campaign, emphasizing the importance of collective effort to prevent outbreaks before they begin.
Sangraula urged banks, cooperatives, and local institutions to contribute under their corporate social responsibility mandates. The campaign began by eliminating larvae in potential breeding sites, including motorcycle garages and roadside stalls in Birtabazar.
During the orientation, mosquito control kits were distributed to basic health centers in all 10 municipal wards. Public Health Inspector Ajay Paudel highlighted the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season and urged community vigilance.
“Mosquitoes pose a greater risk than other insects, transmitting up to six different diseases,” Paudel explained. “If not controlled in time, the spread can quickly escalate into an epidemic.”
While malaria has not been detected in Birtamod for the past five years, Paudel confirmed that isolated cases of kala-azar and Japanese encephalitis have been found.
Municipal Chief Administrative Officer Sagar Bista warned that climate change has extended dengue transmission into typically cold months like January, underscoring the need for proactive and sustained efforts.
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