Kathmandu, September 15

With an aim of sharing recent status of dengue in the country and recommending effective control measures, Mahidol Tropical Medicine Alumni organised a consultative meeting today in the capital.

Speakers during the event shed light on dengue epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, early warning, surveillance and vector control operation for the prevention and control of dengue.

The alumni meeting expressed its commitment to tackle the disease, and suggested adopting a greater advocacy to prevent the disease in endemic areas.

The meeting focused on four key messages — calling for action from all, shifting from reactive to proactive approaches, strengthening capacity in an efficient and sustainable way and a united fight against dengue.

Stressing on wrong practice in dengue treatment, Anup Bastola, an alumnus of The Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand and consultant tropical medicine physician, presented his paper on ‘Dengue Epidemiology and Clinical Management’. During his presentation he said,“Unnecessary platelets transfusion was done in patients at hospitals. Antibiotics, too, were used unnecessarily.”

“Timely detection, surveillance and mosquito control are major preventive methods. However, these practices have not been practiced effectively in Nepal,” said Vice-chair Sujan Babu Marahatta of Mahidol Tropical Medicine Alumni.