CHITWAN: Fifteen people have tested positive for malaria among patients who sought treatment at various hospitals in Chitwan during the last fiscal year. The cases were detected after 3,415 people were tested for the disease.
According to Ram KC, Kit Controller at the Public Health Office, all those who tested positive had returned to Nepal after working abroad.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include persistent or recurrent fever, severe headache, vomiting, chills, shivering and sweating as the fever subsides.
In the fiscal year 2024/25, 11 people tested positive for malaria among 8,405 samples tested. Similarly, 10 cases were detected among 8,860 people tested in the fiscal year 2023/24.
Two major species of malaria parasites are found in Nepal: Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. The P. vivax parasite is more prevalent, accounting for around 70 to 80 percent of malaria cases, while P. falciparum accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent.
According to KC, P. falciparum infections are more commonly detected among Nepalis returning from abroad and can affect the nervous system.
KC said malaria can be prevented by maintaining cleanliness in homes and communities, covering potential mosquito-breeding sites and using mosquito nets while sleeping.
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