POKHARA: Gandaki province has recorded 2,311 cases of dengue across 10 districts over the past nine months. According to the Provincial Disease Control Center, Manang is the only district in the province where no infections have been reported so far.

Center Director Manmohan Mishra stated that the infection rate has seen a significant rise since July. While 415 cases were confirmed between May and June, the number surged to 1,247 in July. Since the beginning of August, 382 additional cases have been recorded. In the most recent week, from Sept. 7 to 13, authorities confirmed 228 new cases.

Of those infected in the last week, Baglung district recorded the highest number with 170 cases. During the same period, 20 cases were reported in Kaski, 16 in Parbat, seven in Myagdi, six in Gorkha, four in Syangja, three in Tanahun, and two in Lamjung. Baglung municipality remains the most affected area in the province.

Pravin Sharma, head of the Provincial Public Health Office in Baglung, said a ‘search and destroy’ campaign is currently underway to curb the spread. He warned that the situation could escalate into an outbreak if preventive measures are not taken promptly. Similar campaigns are being conducted in Kaski and other districts to disrupt the breeding cycle of the mosquitoes.

Medical experts advise that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the virus, breeds in stagnant clean water. They urge the public to empty containers, old tires, and drums where water may collect. Avoiding mosquito bites is considered the most effective prevention method. Director Mishra noted that the risk of dengue remains elevated from June through November, as the mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant water and are active during daylight hours.