Key Takeaways:

• 4,823 dengue cases confirmed this year, down from 6,863 last year
• Morang leads with 2,383 cases; Tarai districts account for most infections
• Officials stress hygiene, clean-up campaigns, and mosquito control measures

DHANKUTA, JULY 15 Dengue infections have declined significantly in Koshi Province compared to previous years, though health authorities warned against complacency as the monsoon season continues. According to the Koshi Province Health Directorate, 4,823 dengue cases have been confirmed so far this year, down from 6,863 last year and 18,067 two years ago. Public Health Officer Anil Shrestha said Morang reported the highest number of infections at 2,383 cases. The three Tarai districts of Morang, Jhapa and Sunsari together accounted for 3,762 cases, while the province's 11 hill and mountain districts recorded 1,061 cases. Dengue, which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is most prevalent during the monsoon season from mid-June to mid-November. Shrestha said four cases each have been confirmed in the hill district of Ilam and the mountain district of Solukhumbu this season. In Dhankuta, infections have steadily declined from 483 cases three years ago to 156 last year and 50 this year. Other districts reporting cases include Sankhuwasabha (576), Jhapa (845), Sunsari (534), Khotang (127), Bhojpur (103), Udayapur (88), Taplejung (83), Terhathum (63), Panchthar (21) and Okhaldhunga (15). Despite the downward trend, Health Office Chief Sirjana Banjade urged the public to remain cautious throughout the rainy season by maintaining personal hygiene, keeping surroundings clean, preventing stagnant water and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Read Also: Kanchanpur reports highest dengue cases in province She said weekly clean-up campaigns are being conducted every Friday at government offices and public places to destroy Aedes mosquito larvae. The mosquito spreads the virus by biting an infected person and then transmitting it to others, with symptoms typically appearing four to 14 days after infection. Health officials said common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body aches, weakness and nausea. They advised people experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention promptly, noting that while paracetamol may be used to reduce fever, proper diagnosis and treatment at a health facility are essential.