The patient had recently travelled to Dharan

Kathmandu, July 1

One dengue patient, aged 19, was admitted to Alka Hospital today. Currently residing in Imadol, the patient had a travel history to Dharan. He had arrived in the capital on Thursday.

“The patient had gone to visit his mother in Bhanumarga, Dharan. She was suffering from dengue. We suspect that the infected mosquito bit him there. He was brought to the hospital after he complained of fever,” said a patient’s relative.

“We have admitted the patient today. He has been tested positive for dengue, said Dr Nimesh Poudel of Internal Medicine at Alka Hospital.

According to Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, 1,524 people have been infected with dengue till July 1.

“As there are people migrating from Dharan and other dengue affected areas to Kathmandu, there are chances of people suffering from dengue in Kathmandu too.

Kathmandu has always had a favourable environment for mosquitoes that spread dengue,” said Uttam Raj Pyakurel, vector control inspector at Epidemiology and Disease Control Division.

Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of dengue. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes.

Its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening, before dusk.

People suffering from dengue have symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, pain in muscles, bone ache, rashes and back pain.

To help prevent dengue, one should search and destroy mosquitoes and their breeding areas, use nets while sleeping, keep the environment clean and remove water stored in containers and tyres.

The number of dengue cases across the country is increasing day by day.

Around three days ago, a patient was confirmed in Saptakoshi Municipality of Saptari district.