POKHARA: Dengue infections have declined in Gandaki Province as the rainy season ends and winter approaches. According to the Provincial Disease Control Centre, 1,274 cases were recorded in August, the highest monthly total this year, while 425 people have been infected since October.
Centre Director Manmohan Mishra said dengue infections began rising in July, with 1,191 cases recorded in September. The disease has spread to all districts of Gandaki Province except the Himalayan district of Manang, with Baglung reporting the highest number of infections.
According to the centre’s data, 3,576 dengue cases were recorded across the province during the 43 weeks since January. At its peak, weekly infections reached 274. In the 43rd week, 69 cases were reported.
“Dengue infections generally decline during winter and remain at a minimal level,” Mishra said. The centre recorded 35 cases in January, 37 in February and 26 in March.
Data for the week of October 19–25 showed 20 cases in Parbat, 13 each in Gorkha and Kaski, six in Myagdi, five in Baglung, four in Lamjung, three each in Syangja and Tanahun, and one each in Mustang and Nawalpur.
Although infections are declining, Mishra cautioned that the risk would persist until the end of Kartik and urged the public to remain vigilant.
Following the rise in cases, several local governments launched campaigns to identify and destroy mosquito breeding sites. Health experts have warned that dengue can spread widely if preventive measures are not implemented in time.
Doctors have stressed that individuals and families must take responsibility for preventing the disease. Mishra said the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, breeds in clean, stagnant water. He advised people to prevent water from accumulating in and around homes, offices and public spaces.
Water collected in pits, discarded tyres, containers, drums and other objects should be emptied regularly to eliminate potential breeding sites. Mishra also reminded the public that dengue-carrying mosquitoes typically bite during the day, making daytime precautions equally important.
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