KATHMANDU, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Dengue cases have spread across Nepal, with health authorities warning that infections could rise further during and after the monsoon season as the country marks World Mosquito Day on Thursday.
According to the latest analysis by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under the Department of Health Services, Nepal reported 2,844 dengue cases in 74 of its 77 districts between Jan. 1 and Aug. 15, meaning infections have now been reported in almost all districts.
Gandaki Province in western Nepal has recorded the highest number of dengue cases with 1,010, followed by Koshi with 674, Lumbini with 435 and Bagmati with 427. Sudurpaschim has reported 122 cases, while Madhesh and Karnali have recorded 88 cases each. Authorities have verified two dengue-related deaths so far in 2026.
The EDCD has been conducting fortnightly assessments of the dengue situation and issuing prevention and control recommendations in areas reporting higher numbers of infections.
It has also launched a three-month dengue awareness campaign running from mid-July to mid-October, focusing on the regular monitoring and elimination of mosquito breeding sites.
The campaign coincides with the global observance of World Mosquito Day on Aug. 20, which is being marked this year in Nepal under the theme "Small Bite, Big Challenge."
The observance comes as mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a growing public health challenge in Nepal. While more than 3,500 mosquito species have been reported worldwide, 168 species have so far been identified in Nepal, according to the EDCD.
Health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods, when conditions can favor mosquito breeding. Eliminating stagnant water, regularly cleaning water containers and surrounding areas, and taking measures to prevent mosquito bites are among the key preventive steps being promoted through the campaign. ■
