KATHMANDU, APRIL 2

A growing number of patients with symptoms of Coronavirus infection have been reported within the span of a week, doctors say.

Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, revealed that COVID-19 was detected in 28 people last week. All the infected individuals had recently traveled from neighbouring India to Sudurpaschim Province.

Since the detection of the new variant of Coronavirus, JN.1, in India last January, COVID-19 cases have begun to emerge in Nepal as well. Dr. Budhathoki emphasized, 'After the new variant of Coronavirus was reported in India, sporadic cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Nepal.'

People who have not received the Coronavirus vaccine, along with chronic patients and senior citizens, remain at risk of contracting this flu-like infection. Dr. Budhathoki urged the public to observe precautions against the virus.

Similarly, Dr. Yuwanidhi Basaula, Director at Teku-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital, stated that COVID-19 patients seek treatment at the hospital. 'With the change in weather, patients with flu and fever frequently visit the hospital,' Dr. Budhathoki acknowledged, dismissing rumors that there were no COVID-19 infected patients in the hospital.

He reported that three COVID-19 patients were receiving treatment in the ICU, while two were being treated in the general ward. Since other hospitals lack ICU facilities, patients often visit the Teku-based hospital.