KATHMANDU, August 10: The number of dengue and cholera cases is rising across the country. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, the total number of dengue patients reached 3,084 last Friday, with 722 new cases reported in the past four days.

As of August 5, dengue was confirmed in 2,365 people. The mosquito-borne infection has spread nationwide, except in Mustang, Dolpa, Jumla, and Humla districts, according to Dr. Gokarna Prasad Dahal, chief of the NTD and Vector Borne Disease Control Section.

Tanahu district has the highest number of dengue cases (583), followed by Kathmandu (307), Kaski (166), and Jhapa (135). In response, the ministry has urged all public and private offices to launch 'larva search and destroy' campaigns and to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation. The government has also announced free treatment for dengue patients in public healthcare facilities.

Cholera cases are also on the rise, with 47 cases detected nationwide so far. Dr Dahal reported that cholera has been confirmed in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Pyuthan, Kailali, and Rupandehi districts, with Lalitpur having the highest number of cases (34) and Rupandehi the lowest (1). -- RSS