Kathmandu, October 26

A total of 854 dengue cases have been reported across the country so far this year.

According to Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Teku, post-monsoon period is a favourable time for mosquitoes to breed and dengue cases may rise in the days to come.  “The temperature between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius is very favourable for the mosquitoes to breed. Besides, the humidity in the air too is favourable. This is why there has been an increase in the number of dengue patients recently,” said Dr Bibek Kumar Lal, chief at Vector Borne Disease Section, EDCD.

Similarly, growing urbanisation is another reason for the disease to spread. Dengue cases are  on the rise in areas with more population density.  “Mosquitoes lay eggs in water deposited in tyres, which is another reason for dengue cases to increase as there are tyres everywhere in urban areas,” added Dr Lal. He advised people to throw water deposited in tyres to prevent mosquito breeding.

Dengue is a vector borne disease transmitted by the bite of a mosquito infected with dengue virus serotypes. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of dengue in Nepal. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes.

Aedes aegypti mosquito lives in urban habitats and breeds mostly in man-made containers. Unlike other mosquitoes, this mosquito is a day-time feeder. Its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Female mosquito bites multiple people during each feeding period. Severe dengue is potentially a deadly complication due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment.