KATHMANDU, JULY 4

Nepal is witnessing a rise in both COVID-19 and dengue cases, prompting public health authorities to urge enhanced vigilance and preventive action across the country. The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), under the Ministry of Health and Population, released Situation Report No. 28, highlighting a steady uptick in infections from January 1 to July 3, 2025.

As per the report, a total of 249 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed so far this year, with 35 new cases in the past week and three in the last 24 hours. The virus has been detected in 31 districts, and one death has been reported. The Bagmati Province remains the hardest hit, accounting for 192 cumulative cases, followed by Koshi, Madhesh, and Gandaki provinces.

The weekly data shows a notable rise in cases in recent weeks, with 59 cases reported in Epi Week 26, marking the highest single-week surge in 2025.

Meanwhile, dengue infections continue to climb, with 1,677 cumulative cases reported nationwide. Sixty-three cases were confirmed in the last seven days and two in the last 24 hours, with the disease now spreading to 73 districts. Though no dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year, EDCD has warned that the next four months will be the highest-risk period for transmission, estimating that up to 60,000 people may be infected in 2025.

Speaking at a recent interaction, EDCD Director Dr. Chandrabhal Jha stressed that dengue control cannot be handled by the health sector alone and requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. Urban areas face heightened risk due to water accumulation in potholes, containers, discarded tires, and household appliances.

Vector-borne disease expert Dr. Gokarna Dahal emphasized the need for a continuous larva destruction campaign, pointing out that mosquito repellents alone are not sufficient to stop transmission, especially outdoors. The EDCD has already partnered with 147 local units across 17 districts to bolster prevention and response efforts.

To combat the threat, the government has allocated Rs 100 million in the upcoming fiscal year for mosquito search and destruction campaigns.

The EDCD has also highlighted the risks of a triple health crisis, as the country continues to grapple with the threats of dengue, COVID-19, and potential cholera outbreaks, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.

With the onset of the monsoon, Nepal is once again grappling with a surge in dengue cases across the country. First reported in Nepal in 2004, dengue has emerged as a significant public health concern in recent years.

The mosquito-borne disease is transmitted primarily by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes-especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus-which breed in stagnant water, a common occurrence during the monsoon season. Due to the impacts of climate change, these mosquitoes have now expanded their range into Nepal's hilly regions as well.

Once a person is infected, they become the main source of the virus, which can then be passed to uninfected mosquitoes that bite them. The virus typically remains in the blood for 2 to 7 days, usually during the fever phase.

After an incubation period of 4 to 10 days, infection with any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) can lead to a range of illnesses, from mild flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting to severe complications including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain.